Interview: 4-Star 2022 WR CJ Williams Covers Recruiting with No. 3 Bosco Preview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Football stats are meaningful when put into context. If I shared with you there is a fantastic receiver who is second on his team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, would that impress you? What if you knew the numbers? 31 receptions for 436 yards with seven touchdowns in seven games played. What if you found out the player was on the No. 1 team in the nation? Adding to it all, what if you knew he was pulling in passes from a five-star quarterback? What if you found out the guy leading the team in receiving might be one of the most undervalued receivers in the nation rated as a three-star recruit (Kody Epps)? What if you knew said team had played or will have played six teams ranked in MaxPrep’s Top 25 during the regular season? One more contextual point to make, what if you found out he was just a sophomore? Impressed yet?

All of this is true for standout 2022 receiver CJ Williams. Williams is leaving spectators in awe this year after getting on the Monarchs’ two-deep during their second consecutive national championship season a year ago. Then, the now 6-2, 182-pound, target hauled in seven for 74 yards. College programs see where he is going with his talents leading to nine offers for the four-star recruit.

Interview

CJ, the Monarchs are tearing through a ridiculous schedule again this season. What has the grind been like taking on all these top teams each week?

“I feel like the grind is the same as last year, but this year we are more focused. We are more focused going through game plan and we are focused one game at a time. I have been working to get open for (QB) Bryce (Young). I am getting open going against four- and five-star defensive backs, and he is going against the same caliber talent in opposing defensive lines. I am getting open quick for him; that has been our focus.”

Where all are you lining up on the field and how are your skills being utilized this season?

“Our offensive coordinator has moved me around a lot this season. I am in the slot, the 1, 2, and 3. I know them all. He likes to move me around. They are using me well. Our coaches are finding the mismatch for us against their defensive backs. Whoever is killing it is getting the ball.”

There is a lot going on both on the field in a game within the offense and in practice. What are some of the things you have learned this season that is helping your productivity on the field?

“One thing I have learned this season is how to read the defense. I am reading the safety, linebacker and corner. I can tell what they are doing with their defense and how many they are rushing. I am looking at their defense to see if they are in man-to-man, the cornerback’s leverage, and how he is playing me.”

Which areas of your game are starting to show the biggest gains?

“I am improving the most on my route running, recognizing when to sit and go, and when I am not open. Another is my run after catch, but that needs to improve more. I will keep working on it. I am catching consistently; I have done that well. My connection with Bryce this season has been great.”

Of all the games played which has been your best game this season?

“My best games… I think I have had two best games; one against St. Frances Academy (MD) and the other was against St. John’s (DC). Against St. Frances, I blocked well. They had great defensive backs on their team, high-caliber players and I played effectively. The second game was against St. John’s. In that game, I was used as a pass catcher, that was one of my best as a pass catcher. I had a touchdown and I was getting open.”

What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?

“One of my strengths is my physicality. I never let the guy across from me out muscle me. I want to push him around and let him know I am here and ready to fight. Another strength is catching the ball strongly and effectively. That and getting in and out of my breaks.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Some of the schools showing interest are Washington, Notre Dame, Texas, and Ohio State. I am talking to their coaches through my coaches.”

How many offers are you up to now?

“Nine.”

Williams’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, California, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, and Washington

That’s fantastic. Have you had a chance to visit any programs yet?

“Yes. I visited Cal, that is when they offered me. That was a great visit. And I have visited USC. USC was a blast. They showed a lot of love during the visit.”

Nice. Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I went to USC for their game against Stanford, that was fun. I want to see another USC game this season if I can. I want to go to Cal, UCLA, and maybe Oregon if my schedule allows it.”

Back to football. The team took care of Santa Margarita (45-0) and have perhaps the biggest game of the season this Friday. What has you pumped to take on St. John Bosco this week?

“I am looking forward to the fact that these guys we are playing, we have grown up with them. They have a lot of the same type of guys and have played similar types of games this season. They have a similar play and style as us, and they are training with the same people in the offseason. I am looking forward to this contest.”

What kind of game can the fans expect in this one?

“They can most definitely expect a hard-hitting and physical game. Both offenses will be flying and the defenses too. They can expect great QB play from both DJ Uiagalelei (Bosco) and Bryce. They can expect good receivers on both sides. They will see some offense for sure.”

CJ, it was great finally getting this interview in with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Williams family; CJ Williams at USC