Missouri Football: Interview with Windsor Senior Star Athlete Derek Williams
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Derek Williams is going to be one of the next multi-talented college football recruits to come out of the Show Me State. The 6’2”, 210-pound, star athlete plays at Windsor High School in Imperial, just about 25 miles south of St. Louis. Williams has led the Owls to a 2-2 record through the first four games of his senior season while doing a little of everything for his team including playing in all three phases of the game at quarterback, running back, safety, linebacker and kicker.
Through four games, the Windsor superstar has 351 yards passing and four touchdowns through the air while rushing for an additional 573 yards and six more including averaging 13 yards per carry. On defense, he has 17 total tackles including two for a loss. On top of all that, he’s kicked one field goal and seven extra points and punted three times this year.
Williams uses his size, speed, vision, and athleticism to manage Windsor’s spread offense and uses the whole field to his team’s advantage.
The class of 2021 prospect is currently receiving interest from several colleges including Wyoming and Northeastern State. Williams is not only a star on the gridiron but also on the basketball court and baseball field. In the classroom, he currently has a 3.5 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Derek to talk about his career at Windsor High School and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Derek, how would you grade your individual performance in your senior season thus far?
A-. I’m doing things pretty well but definitely not perfect.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My size, speed, athleticism and vision.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
4.72.
What is one area of your game that you have seen the most improvement in since the start of the season?
Definitely my vision, I’m able to see the field very well and see what’s going on around me.
What has been your most memorable moment in your high school career?
My junior year when we upset Seckman, 20-19; they are a 6A school and we are a 4A school.
What kind of offense does Windsor run?
A spread offense.
How do your skills translate to this type of offense?
I run and pass very well. I’m able to use the whole field to our advantage.
How many positions do you play for the Owls?
Quarterback, running back, kicker, safety, and linebacker.
Are there any NFL players that you model your game after?
On offense, Russell Wilson and Christian McCaffery and then on defense I’m a Jamal Adams type a player.
Are there any schools showing you interest at this time?
Wyoming, Northeastern State and Graceland.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
Baseball and basketball.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Psychology.
What is your GPA?
3.5.
What do you like most about playing at your high school?
The fans and the family atmosphere surrounding our program.
Who had the biggest impact on your football career?
Definitely my dad, he has always been supportive of me.
What are your goals for the rest of your senior season?
I want to win district with my team and leave my high school in a good place when I graduate. Then I want to go on to play college football.
Thank you for your time and good luck the rest of your senior year.
Thank you, sir.
Photos credit: Coach Alan Taylor; Windsor QB Derek Williams