4-Star 2022 Georgia ATH Terian Williams Covers Opening Finals with Top 5 Schools Released
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It has happened before for high school football fans, but not quite on a stage this big. Last week, The Opening paired with the Elite 11 brought together top players from around the country in a battle royale event. Those college football recruiting diehards have been waiting to see Class of 2022 defensive back/receiver/athlete Terian Williams lock up five- and four-star receivers separate from his work on the field with Johns Creek, and they got it. The 5-11, 175-pound, talent did not shy away from the competition further putting a stamp of approval on his near 50 scholarship offers.
For an overview on his performance at The Opening Finals and his return to Stanford for the second time in two weeks, Williams made another visit to the RNG Lab with a surprise sharing his Top 5 schools.
*Click the link for the May 2021 RNG interview with Terian Williams
Interview
Terian, you just wrapped up competing at The Opening Finals going against top players from around the country. What was that experience like for you?
It was real fun. It has been a dream since I was little watching these events on TV. It was a blessing to be invited, and one of the top performers there. It was also fun seeing guys I haven’t seen since eighth or ninth grade, it was good seeing everyone and competing.
During the one-on-ones, which receivers were you taking on?
The only receiver I remember going against, and I went against him twice, was Servite’s T-Mac (2022 4-Star Tetairoa McMillan).
How did those two reps go?
We went 1-1. I broke up a pass the first time, and he got the catch the second time on a good catch.
With the college football recruiting world watching, what did you showcase with your skills?
I think I showcased my versatility by playing safety and nickel. During the camp, I displayed how I can read the quarterback, especially from the free safety position; I ended up with three picks. I was setting them up. During the camp, I displayed my technique, my craft, how I can move my feet, and the use of my hands.
Which guys did you team up with during the 7v7 part of the camp?
On the defensive side, the only player I knew was Andre Stewart from (North Cobb) Georgia; he’s committed to Kentucky. I remember Omarion at nickel, he’s a freshman right now out of St. John’s Prep and another St. John’s Prep who is committed to Penn State to play safety.
How did your team do during the 7v7 portion of the camp?
We went 1-2, but we should have gone 2-1. One of the rules of 7v7, if you run out of time but are inside the 20, you get four downs. Our coaches and I did not know. We had 30 seconds left, but we let them get inside the 20, then the whole controversy over untimed downs began. They ended up winning the whole thing. They were the Blue Team.
Ahead of the event, you made a west coast swing. Which schools did you visit?
I visited Stanford, everything else was vacation sites with the family.
How did the Stanford trip turn out?
It was good. That was an unofficial visit. I went on an official the week before. This time I went with the rest of my family. The staff is great and was very welcoming.
So, that was your second time in two weeks to visit Stanford?
Yes, sir.
What are some of the impressions that have stuck with you from the Stanford visits?
One was the kids that are there. They are all determined and smart. They are not just athletes, they play ball. They are the true definition of student-athlete. The culture there is very good. Coach (David) Shaw (head coach) and the entire staff does a great job. They show care for the kids. Coach (Duane) Akina is one of the best DB coaches in the nation. It was great getting to meet him and talk ball with him.
I know you took a visit to Clemson; how did that go?
That was with my high school team. We took a visit as a team. It went well. I talked to their safeties coach; we talked ball. We traded social information. I am keeping in contact with him.
Before The Finals, you took some official visits, where all did you go?
During the first week after the dead period, I went to Kansas State then Texas Tech and to Stanford.
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
None planned right now, but I am planning to take officials and unofficials during the season.
After these visits, when might you put out a Top 12?
By the time we get off, I will be dropping my final five.
Which schools made the list?
Penn State, Michigan, Stanford, Kansas State, and Texas Tech.
*Commitment on August 8th at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Very cool. Congratulations on the successful camp among all the top players in the nation. Wishing you the best with your recruiting process until we talk again.
Thank you.
Williams’ Offers (47): Akron, Arizona, Arkansas, Army, Boston College, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Harvard, Howard, Illinois State, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, Louisiana Tech, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Penn State, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Princeton, Rutgers, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Toledo, Virginia Tech, Washington State, West Virginia, and Yale
Top 12 List: Stanford, Kansas State, Washington State, Mississippi State, Michigan, Penn State, Duke, Texas Tech, Harvard, Pitt, Liberty, and Arizona.
Photo credit: Williams family; Terian Williams at Stanford and Texas Tech