Interview: 2020 JUCO OLB Deylon Williams is Ready to Bounce Back to Collegiate Ranks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A fantastic high school career as part of the 2017 recruiting class at Smyrna ended with Deylon Williams signing with FCS program Tennessee-Martin. The 6-2, 235-pound, defender played inside linebacker for the Bulldogs working his way through the Skyhawks depth chart doing the same. Jump to his sophomore collegiate season with Independence Community College, Williams has expanded his craft as an outside linebacker/end leading his Pirates squad to an 8-2 record by tallying 48 tackles, 29 solo, 15 tackles for a loss with two sacks and two forced fumbles. The time is now for all JUCO sophomores, and Williams has two great offers extended from Eastern Michigan and North Alabama with teams like Toledo and Coastal Carolina, among others, showing interest.
In an RNG exclusive, I got a few minutes with Williams covering his development on the field with an update on his recruiting opportunities.
Interview
Deylon, the Pirates have been roughing up the competition over the last four games. How is the team looking overall?
“We’ve got a good team. We have a lot of good talent with guys going D-I. We won our conference this year.”
The defense has been stout all season, but especially over the last four not allowing more than 23 points. What is working so well for the defense overall now?
“Coach (Jason) Martin’s scheme, we are playing all out. We know it is our last time playing together, so we are going all out and trusting the process.”
Going back to high school, how did your senior season with Smyrna go?
“I finished with 81 tackles. I was playing Mike in high school; now I am at outside linebacker/defensive end. I signed with UT-Martin out of high school as a linebacker.”
What position were you playing in 2016 and what was the base defense of that scheme?
“We were a 4-2-5 defense.”
This season, what is the base defense for the Pirates and what are your responsibilities within the set?
“We run a 4-2-5 as well. I am containing the edge making sure nothing gets outside. I set that edge, make sure nothing gets outside of me, and I rush the passer.”
The way you are getting after it this season, are opposing offenses charging you rent for living in their backfield?
(Laughs) “Nah.”
Now the serious question. With 15 tackles for a loss, what is your secret getting into the backfield to make plays?
“Watching film and knowing what the offense is going to do before the snap. Being older, I watch a lot of film and know what they are doing. I look to see if the offensive lineman is in a three-point stance, is his weight forward or back? I have an idea of what is going on before the snap.”
How have you seen your talents grow during your sophomore season?
“My run game support has improved. This year I have focused on that. I have always been a pass rusher, I wanted to show that I am physical and that I can play the run. I have a good get-off as well. I have worked on that hard through the offseason and throughout the season.”
At 6-5, 235-pounds, you are not the biggest outside linebacker/end in JUCO football going up against beasts for offensive tackles. What has been the biggest challenge for you this season taking on future Power 5 and Group of 5 offensive tackles?
“A challenge I faced this year, we play in a very good conference. We play against a lot of Power 5 offensive tackles. I had to play at a high-level at all times or it would have been a bad game for me.”
How have those challenges made you a better linebacker?
“Playing the best talent always makes you better. When I go to my new school, I will be used to going against great talent. Going against our offensive linemen every day in practice has helped me play all the good tackles in our league.”
If we were to sit down and watch film on you, and I wanted to see your best game, which game reel are you showing me?
“That is a tough one. I would say either Hutchinson, Ellsworth or Iowa Central.”
Which college programs have seen the game film and dropped an offer?
“Eastern Michigan and North Alabama.”
Where is the interest coming in from at the next level?
“NAU (Northern Arizona), Coastal Carolina, UTEP, and Toledo are showing interest.”
With the season winding down, when and where are you planning to take official and/or unofficial visits?
“Next weekend I am either going to Eastern Michigan or North Alabama on an official. I will take the next one of the two in December.”
When do you graduate from Independence?
“My graduation date is Dec. 10.”
What is your cumulative college GPA?
“2.8.”
The Pirates are 8-2, what is the playoff or bowl game scenario for you guys?
“We are supposed to go to a bowl game, but they have cancelled a lot of the bowl games this season. Our season may be over. We find out later today.”
Deylon, I hope you guys get one more chance to put on the gear in a bowl game. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Deylon Williams