Interview: 3-Star 2020 OL Justin Williams Covers Long List of Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The push forward on versatile 2020 California offensive lineman Justin Williams from the recruiting trail has been abundant over the offseason. The 6-4, 265-pound, trench hog has captured the attention of college coaches with his current play on the gridiron and captivates them all with his seemingly unlimited potential. The Tesoro High School product has drawn interest from Air Force, Army, Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, Cal-Poly, UC-Davis, Fresno State, Rice, Baylor, TCU, Oregon State, and Oregon, just to name a few. With numerous visits taken up and down the west coast, and with a heavy upcoming schedule of visits and camps, it was time for an update interview with Mr. Williams.

*Click link for March 28, 2019, RNG interview with Justin Williams

Interview

Justin, you have been busy taking visits over the last couple of weeks. Where all have you been?

“I started off going to UCLA in late March. After the Polynesian Combine, I went to UC-Davis, Nevada, then I went back to Fresno State for their Junior Day, and then I went to Cal-Poly for a Junior Day. I went back to UCLA on Thursday with my team. I had a nice conversation with Coach DeShawn Foster during this last visit.”

How did the Nevada visit go?

“It went well. It really surprised me. I liked it a lot. All the schools blew me away; it was not what I was expecting. I like the coaching staff at all the places. All the programs were top tier and they have great competition that goes with that.”

What about the Fresno State trip, how did that go?

“It went well. I talked with their offensive line coach, Coach (Ryan) Grubb, and their offensive line assistant Roman Sapolu.”

What did you talk about with the Fresno coaches?

“We talked about, the same with all the schools, where they see me playing. My height is not at tackle in college, but they were telling me the most important thing is versatility for a lineman; which I believe is one of my strong points having starting at all the positions on the line expect for center. We talked about the school environment and I took a tour.”

How did the Cal-Poly visit go?

“I had a great time watching their practice, seeing the campus environment, along with having their coach review my film with me.”

The UCLA visits, how did those go?

“They went very well. I liked seeing their new facilities, they are incredible. I have connected with the school going to their games growing up. It was great being on the field with the team I have a very strong connection with as a kid watching their games.”

The more visits you take, what are you finding is more important to you to learn about and/or see while taking a visit?

“The most important thing for me is asking the coach where I would be on the line for them. I want to know what I need to work on this offseason and during the season to become the player I want to be. All the coaches will have similar or different opinions. I want to hear what they have to say per position and with my footwork so I can be the best at that position.”

Which schools are you going to visit upcoming?

“We are trying to get another trip up north. On that trip, we are going to Cal, I am about to talk to their offensive line coach about that trip, and I will go to Sacramento State while I am up there.”

You had a long list of college camps you plan on attending, can you give me an update on the list?

“I am planning on going to Azusa camps, a Cal-Poly camp on June 22nd and 23rd, Redlands, UCLA, Whittier on May 31st, Super-Lineman Camp on May 18th, a La Verne padded camp June 2nd, and I have possible camps with Rice on June 8th and Yale June 21st. I might go to Princeton, Penn, and Harvard. We’ll see how it all lines up.”

On the field, how are the workouts coming along?

“My workouts are coming along well. Our new linebacker coach has taken over as our strength coach. That change and my workouts with my personal trainer, all my workouts are going well.”

You’ve had a great opportunity to talk to a lot of knowledgeable college coaches, have you changed up anything with your focus or workouts based on some of the tips you have received?

“I have changed a couple of things. The two big things are my hand-placement and staying lower to get more explosive out of my step.”

Justin, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success on all your upcoming visits and camps.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Williams family; Justin Williams at Nevada and Fresno State