Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas CB Brodie Williams Gives Insight on Austin Peay Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Brodie Williams finished his senior season with Jonesboro High School as one of the best in the Natural State, and those talents continue to improve. The 5-10, 180-pound, corner was a NEA All-Star and an All-Conference selection during the 2020 season after coming up with 40 stops, two tackles for a loss, five interceptions with two pick-sixes, eight passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The newly timed 4.47 speed was also showcased on special teams taking 21 kicks back for 430 yards and 10 punts for another 58.
On Jan. 14, Williams reopened his recruiting process after an April verbal to the Naval Academy. With offers on the table from Army, Austin Peay, Campbell, Lehigh, and Navy, on Monday, Jan. 18, the three-star prospect announced his verbal commitment to the Austin Peay Governors.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Williams gives insight on how the Governors’ coaching staff drew his talents to Tennessee for college ball.
*Click link for the Dec. 23 RNG interview with Brodie Williams
Interview
Brodie, today you have some big news to announce… which school will you be attending and which program will you be playing college football for next year?
I will be attending Austin Peay.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
The recruiting process is a difficult one, especially for the Class of 2021. What were the deciding factors that made Austin Peay the school for you?
Their coach, Coach (Akeem) Davis (co-DC/DB). I knew him from his time at Southern Miss. We had a great relationship going then. When he reached out to me again, he said he really wanted me badly at Austin Peay. I gravitated to him and the program. During a Zoom call, all the coaches showed up and they really loved me. I gravitated towards them. They gave me that home feeling.
When you’ve talked to the coaches about your skills and abilities and their scheme, how do they plan on utilizing all that you do on defense?
They see me as a versatile player. They want me to learn corner, nickel, and safety so I have a chance to play on the field early.
When did you tell the coaches you were committing?
Told them last Saturday.
Which coach received the good news first?
All the coaches; I told them on Zoom. During the Zoom meeting, I told them I’m all in. When I did, their head coach, Coach (Scotty) Walden, put a sign up on the camera. He was very excited.
That moment before you shared your commitment, what all was racing through your mind?
That they genuinely love me as a player and as a person. They see me as a great player, and they want me to lead once I get there. That was a no brainer for me.
Now that this big hurdle has been passed, how do you feel?
I feel relief. I feel good about my decision and what I am getting myself into. With the staff, I feel great about them. They are energetic. That gets me going on the field, my coaches’ energy.
There is a short window until National Signing Day, are you going to help with recruiting others to join you?
I’m not that type of person with recruiting, but if they tell me to do it, I will. If there is someone that can help us, I will reach out to them and talk about going to Austin Peay. I want to play with the people that really want to be there.
Before we go, how are the offseason workouts coming along?
I have been working out with a trainer, Rahim Shabazz. He’s the best in Tennessee. I’ve been working out with a lot of college players and asking those college players for advice. This offseason I have been working on my speed. I got my 40 down to a 4.47. I want to get it down even more, and I did it after I gained two or three pounds of muscle with my trainer.
Nice. Are you also preparing for track season now?
I graduated early. I might go to college early at Austin Peay; we are working on it. I want to go early to get my feet wet.
Understood. Brodie, thanks for your time today and congratulations on taking that next big step towards earning a degree and playing college football.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Williams family; Brodie Williams