Interview: 2022 MaxPreps All-American Terian Williams Preparing for Season with Grayson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After two seasons of taking on 7A Georgia competition with Parkview High School, Class of 2022 MaxPreps first team All-American Terian Williams is preparing for a new challenge. The do-everything skill athlete has transferred to powerhouse program Grayson bringing with him his ability to impact the game in all three phases. All will be happening during the 2020 season with college coaches watching the four-star prospect intently from the stands. Williams (5-11, 175) holds 24 offers with top Power 5 programs showing interest.
In an RNG update interview, Williams covers ground on his new positions with the Rams while catching us up on his recruiting process.
*Click link for May 29 RNG interview with Terian Williams
Interview
Terian, your recruiting process is fun to watch. It seems you are adding more top schools every week. How many offers have been dropped now?
I have 24 total now.
Which programs were the last few schools to offer you?
The last few were Iowa, Arkansas, and LA Tech.
So it seems, the programs within the SEC are loving what they are seeing in you. In general, when you talk to SEC coaches what are they telling you they like about your skills?
When I talk to the SEC coaches, they like how versatile I am. They have specific positions they need to fill, one corner or one safety spot; I can fill both. They also like that I can play offense and special teams. They also like when I am back on defense it looks like I am another coach on the field. Because I also play quarterback, it makes it easier for me to understand what offenses are doing. I know what quarterbacks are thinking when they drop. With the academic portion, they like that I am not a kid they have to worry about going to class. I have the grades, I am already there academically.
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Virginia Tech, Miami, Northwestern, Virginia, and Louisville, that is all I can think of right now.
Once the campuses open up, are there any visits you may take?
I visited a lot of the southeastern schools; they are close to me. When the campuses open up, I want to go north or on the west coast to schools not as close to me. I want to get a feel for those coaches in person.
Last we spoke, you were getting ready to begin practicing with Grayson for the first time. How have the workouts and practices gone so far?
They are going well. We have a lot of D-I athletes on both sides of the ball. We are competing hard. We push each other competing hard every day.
As the Rams’ coaches get a feel for all that you can do be seeing you in practice, where all might you play on the field in 2020?
I am starting at nickel and running some at free safety and corner. This season I will be on kick and punt return and on offense I am playing some quarterback and at slot.
Wow. You are taking on a lot of roles with a new team. How are you going about learning the playbook so you can maximize all of these opportunities?
I started learning the defensive book in February. I tackled that heavily then. When we got back on the field, I was able to see it on the field. On offense, I just started learning those plays.
How have your individual workouts gone, and where are you seeing the biggest gains in pushing your skills forward?
My individual workouts have been good. I am doing three DB training sessions per week focusing on the small things and man technique. We run more man at Grayson than at my old school. As a DB, I have been working on my foot placement and reads in those workouts. Each week with Coach Earl, I have been working on my development as a quarterback. I am working on my throwing motion and power with my ball. Getting my workouts in with our summer training, I am training with my school in the morning and doing my individual workouts at night.
When does the Georgia high school football season start?
We have a scrimmage game Aug. 21, then we break on the 28th, and have our first game the next week.
What goals have you set for 2020 season?
A state championship, team goals first. We want a national championship. Anything less than state will be a disappointment. For personal goals, I want to be the No. 1 rated athlete in my class.
Terian, always great getting time in with you. Wishing you continued success with your workouts this summer.
Thank you.
Williams’ 2019 Stats: 64 tackles, 40 solo, four tackles for a loss, one sack, 11 passes broken up, four interceptions, and one forced fumble; 14 punt returns for 292 yards
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Akron, Arkansas, Boston College, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Howard, Illinois State, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, LSU, Louisiana Tech, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Toledo
Photo credit: Williams family; Terian Williams summer workouts (2020)