Interview: 4-Star 2022 California DL Damonic Williams Talks Transfer and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 Narbonne High School football team was stocked full of five-, four-, and three-star talents making it hard to stand out, but Damonic Williams did (pronounced Dominic). The super sophomore put together a stat line of 44 stops with nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, a batted away pass, and forced a fumble in eight games, even though the starters were taking in water on the sidelines during the second half of most those matchups. After earning All-Marine League honors and four-star recruiting status, the 6-2, 306-pound, defensive lineman has a new challenge ahead taking on California’s Mission League competition in 2020 with Bishop Alemany.
With 13 offers on the table and a highly anticipated season ahead with the Warriors, Williams takes a break from lifting and practices to update us on his workouts and recruiting.
Interview
Damonic, once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as an interior defensive lineman?
“My strengths were, because I was not as big as everyone, my speed and my explosiveness. My run defense is good, my pass rush is something I have been working on this offseason. “
With Narbonne, looks like you guys were running a 4-man front, and doing some cool stunts and twists. What scheme were you guys running and what were some of your responsibilities within the defense?
“Yes, we were a four-man front and went three-man in tight games. My gap protection was the B-gap on blitz and the A-gap with no blitz. We were running stunts and blitzes all the time, twist between tackles and between ends, and twist with linebackers and the tackles.”
What defense will you be in with Bishop Alemany in 2020?
“Right now we are practicing a 4-3. Once we know what will happen, we will get more in-depth with a three-man front.”
A minute ago you mentioned working on your pass rush, are you working on any new moves?
“Yes. I am working on my hand movement and my speed. My get off is good, but I am trying to get it a lot better.”
With the move to a new team, are you taking on any new roles this season?
“I will be at defensive tackle and nose guard, switching between those two, and in a three-man I will be a defensive end.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on this offseason heading into your junior campaign?
“Hand movement, speed, and less thinking and more reacting.”
Is there a collegiate or NFL player you watch footage on to learn more about the game?
“On Instagram I watch highlight videos of different players. I am always watching reps of linemen on there.”
What has been your workout routine this offseason?
“Now I am practicing with my team. My mom got me a set of dumb bells for lifting and I have been going to Giant Skillz camps.”
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I have some follows on Twitter from Oregon, Florida State, Washington, and Notre Dame.”
How many offers are in-hand?
“Thirteen.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“Penn State, Michigan, Cal, and Michigan State.”
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Cal-Berkeley, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Michigan State, Nevada, Oregon State, Penn State, USC, Utah, and Washington
Before the NCAA dead period began, did you get to take any visits?
“Yes, I went to SC (USC) for a Junior Day. Last year I went to Cal and to Houston.”
How did the USC visit go? What did you do?
“We hung out, went to the top of the stadium, saw them remaking the stadium, and hung out with the other athletes. I met a lot of the coaches; I am familiar with their staff now.”
And the Cal trip?
“It was great. I didn’t get to see their facilities, but the game was great.”
Once the campuses open back up are you planning any trips?
“For sure. I would like to take trips to Washington, SC again for sure, Michigan, Michigan State, and hopefully I can get out to Penn State.”
Last couple of questions for you. What do you love about playing football?
“I love how I can help everyone out on my team, be a leader within the team, and have them depend on me.”
For the 2020 season, what goals would you like to accomplish?
“Getting better with my hands for sure, more tackles than last year is a big goal, and more sacks as well. I want 10 sacks this year and I want maintain a 3.5 GPA this year.”
Damonic, it was great covering ground with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Damonic Williams