Interview: 2020 CB Tim Williams is Key on a Shutdown Long Beach Poly Defense

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are very few high school football teams in the nation accomplishing what Long Beach Poly’s defense is doing during the 2018 season. The Jackrabbits defense has been rabid only allowing 81 total points this season helping the squad to a 7-2 record. One of the defenders helping Poly’s feared defense is Class of 2020 cornerback Timothy Williams (5-10, 175). Full season stats for the Jackrabbits have not been released yet, but an estimated stat line for Williams during his junior season is at least two interceptions, six passes defended, and a forced fumble.

In an RNG stylized catch-up interview, I sat down with Williams to learn more about his junior campaign, his recruiting process, and Poly’s season to date.

*Click link for May 1, 2018, RNG interview with Tim Williams

Interview

Tim, the Jackrabbits are on a five-game winning streak with three consecutive shutouts. What is the defense doing so well at this time of the season?

“We are playing together and listening to the coaches, we are together as one. We are not playing for ourselves. All of this happened after the Serra game (lost 29-25). After that, we started playing harder and came together.”

What are the strengths of the defense this year?

“I think the secondary is playing well. Our defensive line is great, they are getting a lot of pressure on quarterbacks. As a group, we are flying around the ball and playing within our zones.”

Last Friday, you guys closed the door on Jordan 20-0, how did the game go for you?

“We only played one quarter of the game. It was cancelled because of the weather. I think we scored every time we got the ball and we did not allow any first downs in that one quarter.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I’d say the best was Los Alamitos, I got the most action in that game, and Narbonne too. I played my hardest in those games.”

You get Lakewood on Friday, how will their offense challenge you guys?

“They like to go into I-formation. They have a good running back and some good receivers. We have to get pressure on their quarterback.”

How has your game improved as a corner this season?

“My game has improved by trusting my speed. I am doing better in zone coverage; I am learning that style of defense a lot this season. I can play in Cover 3, Cover 2, nickel – anything the coaches ask of me.”

What are some of the ways opposing offenses try to challenge you?

“They like to challenge me in the red zone because I am a shorter guy with jump balls.”

Which areas of your game are you constantly working on in practice every day?

“My speed and I am trying to play without my hands so much.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“I have no idea. My coaches are handling that. I am focused on the season.”

Do you have any planned upcoming unofficial visits?

“Yes. I am going to Washington and Washington State in November.”

That will be fun. What has you excited about those two visits?

“I am excited about getting out seeing how they practice, seeing their facilities, and meeting the coaches.”

Tim, I appreciate your time today and good luck in the regular season finale against Lakewood.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Tim Williams Twitter: Tim Williams in action