Interview: 2020 DB/ATH Jalen Williams Covers Recruiting and Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The life and times of Jalen Apalit-Williams on the gridiron is full of delivering hard knocks to California competition helping receivers develop alligator arms and convincing running backs that going out of bounds is not such a bad idea. The 6-2, 180-pound, safety has that Steve Atwater look to him – that big defender over the top who is just coming into his own with a sky is the limit potential. Word on the Las Lomas High School standout has spread to the collegiate ranks with offers being dropped from Colorado State, Dixie State, Idaho State, Northern Colorado, San Jose State, and Texas-El Paso (UTEP) on the Class of 2020 recruit. College scouts across the country will get an even better shot at seeing his overall athleticism in 2019 with Williams playing a bigger role on offense as a receiver and with time in at corner.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the ascending Walnut Creek area product to learn more about his overall game, offseason workouts and 7v7 experience with KT Prep Elite, and received an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Jalen, I love watching your film at safety. You are a throwback safety bringing the hammer against the run and on receivers trying to come down with the ball. What is your approach to the game on defense?
“To be honest, it is hit them before they hit me. It is a dog eat dog world on the field and you have to be a dog on defense to be successful.”
Beyond your big hits, what are some of the other traits to your game as a safety?
“Reading the quarterback is a strength to my game. I am reading every play, remembering different situations from watching film and our practices. I take a lot of pride in that.”
How did your game improve last season as a receiver?
“I have been training a lot. When I came here, I did not think I would play too much receiver. We lost a lot of our receivers; I might be a No. 1 receiver on the team this season. I have worked on my footwork, speed, and hands to get ready for the season.”
What were the strengths to your game last season playing receiver?
“Last year, it was my hands and speed.
How have you honed your skills on defense this offseason?
“Playing with KT, I good at hitting but my cover skills were not there yet last season. I have been working on covering. I am playing some corner this year. I have been working with KT on that. I have been learning routes, route trees, and learning their concepts.”
What kind of training have you been doing with KT this offseason?
“With KT, that started at the end of December into April. We had two practices a week. With KT, they do strict work on footwork, concepts, and overall disciplined. They are not worried about 7v7 as much as working on the small things to be the best you can be going forward.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this offseason?
“Yes. I played with KT.”
What was the experience like playing 7v7 this offseason?
“We played against the best of the best and in the biggest tournaments possible in Florida and LA; it was insane. That made me better going against the best.”
Did you get to run a 40-yard dash this offseason? If so, what was the best time you posted?
“I did run a 40. My best was a hand-timed 4.54.”
Nice. Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“I did. I went to camps at San Diego State and San Jose State.”
How did the San Diego State camp go?
“It was very competitive. It is a different kind of play down there with the players. The camp was full of more southern California guys than northern California guys. The guys from southern California play differently. The camp was competitive and exciting. I love that school. I have been talking to them a lot. Them and a lot of Pac-12 schools want to see me play again this season.”
Nice. If you will, tell me about the San Jose State camp?
“It was good. I have been there a lot this summer. They show me a lot of love when I go there. They invite me there a lot.”
Going in that direction. Which schools are showing interest in you going into the 2019 season?
“The main schools are San Diego State, Eastern Washington, and Washington State – they want to see a couple of my games this season.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have six offers.”
Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes, I did with KT. We went to a lot of schools. It was it crazy. We went to Miami, USC, UCLA, San Diego State, Washington, Oregon, and Oregon State.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I am pretty sure I am taking an official to UTEP during the season, but I am not sure on the date yet. I will set up the rest later.”
Looking to the season. The Knights made a run to the semifinal round last season, what type of team do you guys have in 2019?
“We will be dangerous this season. We have a lot of talent coming back and we have some guys who have stepped up. I think we will have better talent than last year. But we have to be all in. For the seniors, this is our last shot to be great. We need more guys to step up. I think we have a really good team.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“The team is really important to me. If we do well, everything will come with it. I want a successful season. I want to do the best I can. Last year was my first year playing a lot of offense on varsity, I came in late last season. I played 7v7 this offseason to help me prepare for my senior year. I know I will be returning kicks this season. I want to get touchdowns, get picks, and make big hits to make sure my team gets the win. This is going to be a crazy season. Our second game of the season is against Bishop O’Dowd; I can’t wait.”
Jalen, it was great spending time with you today covering your skills on the field and your recruiting process. I am wishing you and Las Lomas a great 2019 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Jalen Apalit-Williams at Miami and playing 7v7 with KT Prep Elite