Interview: 4.5-Star 2021 K Britton Williams is Ready for Challenge with Richmond Hill
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A fan’s perspective on kickers is more of an afterthought, that is until one makes those in the stands take notice. Over the last few years, working quietly in the shadows of the game without any fanfare, Class of 2021 kicker Britton Williams has been cultivating his craft. Camp after camp, practice after practice, and time spent on lonely fields over the summer working in the hot sun, Williams has gone after his dream of being a standout performer for Richmond Hill High School with the eye on the prize of being a collegiate kicker. After competing in camps across the country earning 4.5-star status by Khol’s, the 5-11, 165-pound, Georgia talent is ready to show what he can do on the field for the Wildcats and is ready to make fans notice by making opposing 6A teams pay.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Williams after his first game handling full-time varsity duties as a field goal kicker after a sophomore season as a kickoff specialist.
Interview
Britton, the Wildcats opened the season with a runaway 44-0 win over Grovetown. You got a lot of work in against the Warriors. If you will, update me on how the game went for you?
“It was a joy ride. It was a good time getting all the kicks in. Every kicker is going to enjoy a game where he kicks a lot. I am mainly concerned with the team, not focused as much on my individual.”
What was your stat line in the game?
“I was 3 of 4 on field goals with a long of 39-yards and was 5 of 5 on PATs. The field goal I missed was a 50-yarder. With kicking, it is always about the next kick. I can’t focus on missed. I did hit a 50-yarder at halftime warmups to show I can do it. After missing the 50-yarder, I hit the 39-yarder. My accuracy and consistency have improved. I cannot wait for rest of the season.
How did the game go with your kickoffs?
“I can work on my touchbacks. One thing my coaches have praised me on is my kickoffs.”
You are taking over for Anthony Salazar handling the kicking duties this season. How did you prepare for your junior year on the field?
“During the offseason, I went to multiple camps which helped. It helped getting the opinions of college coaches. I trained every day trying to get better. I trained on making the kick, my foot placement, and my plant. I also trained with Patrick Means. Being a kicker, you have to focus on the little things. My preparation in the offseason was a lot. I did a lot of work – a lot of ice baths. It was a great offseason of preparation.”
Where did you see the biggest improvements in your skills this offseason as a kicker?
“I am seeing the improvement mainly in my field goals. Last year I started kickoffs. Anthony had me beat last year on field goals. My height of kick and accuracy, it has really improved. I’ve always had the length and strength for kicking field goals, it came down to kicking it straight and getting height. I have come a long way.”
You mentioned going to a lot of camps, which college camps did you attend?
“I went to six camps; Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn, FAU (Florida Atlantic), Western Kentucky, and Georgia Tech.”
That is a lot of kicking. Which camp was your best performance?
“I would say either FAU or Georgia Tech. I did not miss a field goal at FAU; they were happy at that. I won big leg award at the Georgia Tech camp. I hit a 55-yard field goal at Georgia Tech. They were happy about that.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“FAU, they are a big one. I am going down to FAU on Sept. 7 to watch them play UCF.”
Do you have any other planned visits coming up?
“I might go to Georgia Tech this fall. At all the camps, the coaches encouraged us to come to a game.”
What do you feel are the strengths to our overall game?
“My biggest strength is the ability to forget. It is all about the mental game with kicking. If I am on, I am on. I missed the 50-yarder in the game, but I knew I could do it. I hit the 39-yarder on the next kick. The mental part and that I have a big leg, those are my two main strengths.”
For kickers, everyone wants to know how far back you can line up a field goal. What is your longest made in practice or at a camp?
“My longest in practice is 60-yard and my longest in game is 54-yard. That was in a JV game. That 54-was supposed to be the school record. Joseph Petrino kicked at my school; he is at Maryland now. He had the school record for longest field goal. My kick would have set the record but my kick does not count because it was JV. I will have chances this year. Knowing the coaches trust me is a real help and a confidence booster.”
Perfection is always the goal for kickers, outside of that, what are your goals for the 2019 season?
“I am doing everything I can in my power to help us go as far as we can. When we lost in playoffs last season, I was heartbroken. Everyone says this all the time, but we should have beaten them. I kicked an onside kick and we got it back, but we couldn’t score. I am constantly working on on-side kicks, my accuracy, even the touchbacks. I am doing all I can to ensure the win.”
Britton, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Britton Williams