Interview: 3-Star 2019 Louisiana RB Aaron Williams Gives Football and Recruiting Update
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Aaron “AJ” Williams looked like a man on fire last season rolling up 4A Louisiana competition. The Salmen High School standout was one of the best in the state rushing for an estimated 1,150 yards with 11 touchdowns producing 1,264 yards from the line of scrimmage. The 5-9, 186-pound, combo of speed and power earned All-District and All-Metro first team honors for his junior season and a bevy of scholarship offers. The recruiting trail has popped for Williams with 17 total offers sitting on the table. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star recruit to learn more about his game and recruiting process.
Interview
Aaron, you had a big junior season on the field running rough on Louisiana 4A competition. Of all the big plays turned in, is there one play from last season the truly highlights the type of runner you are for Salmen?
“I feel like I had a lot of plays that show how I can run, plays that show my patience and my running style. Each week I had to adjust to different defensive schemes that allowed me to show my versatility.”
Of all the games played, which one was your best last season?
“Rushing wise for me, it was against Franklinton. I had 205 yards and two touchdowns in that game. My best game overall and for the team was the Lutcher game, our first playoff game.”
How did your overall game improve during your junior year?
“My teammates helped me get better. The people around me really helped. My coaches believed in me – that helped me improve. My field vision improved a lot. My patience allowed me to wait for the linemen to open up holes. After last year, I feel like I am a smarter runner now.”
You mentioned your field vision as one of your strengths, what else do you consider the strengths of your game?
“I’m a versatile running back; I may run past you on one play and the next play I may run over you. My speed and power are strengths of my game.”
How do you describe your running style?
“Explosive – speed and power.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting stronger and faster. I am planning on picking up 10 more pounds before the season starts. I am helping my teammates get better as well.”
How are spring practices going?
“We just finished. They were great. We have a lot of upcoming underclassmen that have to step up with our seniors leaving. There are a lot of differences this season from last year.”
How did the Spartans look this spring?
“We looked pretty good. We have a lot of young talent, some lack experience. We are asking a lot of young guys to come in and make a big contribution, but I think we will have a good season. I think our running game will be very good again this year.”
Will we see you playing other positions besides running back in 2018?
“Oh, yes. I will play some slot receiver and I will be on kick and punt return. On the defensive side of the ball, I am playing corner this year.”
Are you excited about corner?
“It is an adjustment. I have to work on it this summer.”
Have any college coaches come by to see you in practice or meet with you in-person this spring?
“We’ve had a lot come by this spring – Tulsa, Memphis, Arkansas Tech, and Lamar; there are others but I cannot think of them all.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your abilities?
“They tell me I am an explosive running back out of the break and I am dangerous once I am in the secondary. They like that I explode through the hole and how I use my speed on the edge. They like my burst.”
Are you planning to compete at any upcoming camps?
“I will be at a Tulane coming up, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech and I plan on attending a couple others.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“Lamar, Memphis, Tulsa, Southern Miss, South Alabama, Arkansas Tech, and New Mexico State.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 15 offers.”
Williams’ offers: Southern, Shreveport, Lenin, Minnesota State Community, Antelope Valley, CMT Academy, Stevenson, Greenville, Southern Birmingham, South Carolina A&M, Carroll College, and Monmouth; West Minister College and Louisiana College offered after the interview to raise Williams’ offer total to 17.
Do you participate in any other sports for the Spartans?
“I compete in track and power lifting.”
What are you weight room maxes this spring?
“My squat max is 485, bench 265, and my deadlift is 480.”
Which events do you compete in with track?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, and 4×2.”
What is your best time in the 100?
“10.9.”
Nice. Last question. What do you want to accomplish on the field during your senior year?
“One of my goals, I want to win the state title for rush yards. I finished Top 5 in the state last year.”
Aaron, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
*Click link for Aaron Williams’ 2017 Hudl highlight reel
Photo credits: Brian Smith; AJ Williams in action