Interview: 34-Offer 4-Star 2022 Georgia ATH Terian Williams Talks Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Since the 2018 high school football season, Class of 2022 cornerback/athlete Terian Williams has been turning heads. Playing with Georgia’s Parkview High School, Williams earned MaxPreps All-American honors in 2019 after putting down 64 ball carries with four tackles for a loss, a sack, a forced fumble, 11 passes defended, and four picks. All that talent produced the same standout results during the 2020 campaign except this time he was lining up with Johns Creek.

As a sophomore, Williams’ role as an athlete was there showcasing the skills additionally as a return specialist. The 5-11, 175-pound, speed burner took back 14 punts for 292 yards with a long of 56 yards in 2019. This season, Williams had 245 kick return yards with two touchdowns and took a punt back for a score. On defense, he tallied 42 solo stops, 60 total, with nine passes broken up, a pick, three tackles for a loss, and produced a fumble while picking up one loose pigskin. The skills on offense got some shine hauling in four for 58 yards with another trip into the end zone.

Whether he is lining up against 7A or 6A Georgia teams, the four-star recruit is getting it done. College coaches echo that sentiment with 34 offers dropped. To talk about his 2020 season and recruiting process, Williams headed over to the RNG Lab.

*Click link for 2020 preseason RNG interview with Terian Williams

Interview

Terian, the 2020 season was different for you in more ways than one. This season you were playing with a new team taking on new opponents. How did the change in teams help challenge you and push your game forward overall?

The change in teams provided me a new opportunity to showcase my skills in front of new people. It challenged me and made me learn a new defense quickly and become a leader of a new team quick. Going against new competition pushed me to get better every day.

What defensive scheme were the Gladiators running in 2020?

At Johns Creek we ran multiple fronts depending on the offense we were playing. Most of the games we ran a four-man front with Cover 3 behind it. We repped it a lot in practice and worked on trying to disguise it.

On the backend, what were some of the coverages the secondary was executing?

On the back end we ran a lot of Cover 4 read and Cover 3. Cover 4 was our base, which we executed well throughout the season. We also ran a good amount of man-to-man coverage.

Which areas of your game showed the biggest improvement in pass coverage?

In pass coverage my man-to-man coverage was a lot better. That is one area I emphasized on improving last off season.

What were some lessons learned during the year that will further enhance your knowledge of the game?

Some lessons I learned throughout the season is overcoming adversity. At one point we didn’t know we were going to have a season, but we worked hard either way and stay prepared. Whatever was thrown at me this whole year I have over came and made the best of the situation.

Now that you are in your offseason, going back to the drawing board to take your game to another level for your senior season, which areas of your game will you focus on the most?

This off season will consist of DB training, working out, playing 7v7, and running track to help prepare for senior season.

Since we spoke last in the preseason, your recruiting has continued to skyrocket. How many offers do you have now?

I have 34 offers and will narrow my list to 10 schools in the spring and commit before the season. My offers are from: Howard, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois State, Florida, Florida State, Rutgers, South Carolina, LSU, Pitt, Akron, FAU, Minnesota, Iowa State, Central Michigan, Boston College, Kansas State, Indiana, UCF, Mississippi State, Toledo, LA Tech, Arkansas, Iowa, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Harvard, Yale, Maryland, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Penn, and Stanford.

There has been a really cool boost in offers from Ivy League teams which means you are getting it done on the field and in the classroom. What is your current cumulative GPA?

My current GPA is a 3.8.

Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?

Colleges that are showing interest but have not offered are Notre Dame, Nebraska, Colorado, Purdue, Clemson, Coastal Carolina. California, Washington State and Penn State are also showing interest.

When visits pick back up in 2021, which schools would you like to go see?

When visits pick back up, I would like to see all the schools that have offered me and shown interest. My spring will be very busy.

Terian, it is always great getting time in with you. Wishing you the best of luck this offseason preparing for your senior season until we talk again.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Williams family; Terian Williams