Offseason Update Interview with 2021 California CB Jalen Williams
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 high school football season served as a springboard for Jalen Williams. The rising Class of 2021 corner held down opposing California receivers for Paraclete High School earning an offer from Vanderbilt for his efforts. Over the offseason, Williams was playing 7v7 ball with Formula 4 Speed working on fine-tuning his game as a corner while preparing for a new role on offense as a receiver.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Williams sat down for a quick update on his workouts with a rundown on his growing recruiting options.
*Click link for Dec. 2, 2019, RNG video interview with Jalen Williams
Interview
Jalen, we caught up last at the beginning of your offseason workouts. Catch me up. What all have you been working on with your game this spring on defense?
“Being a better player all around, and being a more consistent player. I’ve been working with Coach DWill on being more mobile with my hips and reading releases better.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements?
“I’m seeing the biggest improvement with my footwork. I started badly, but over the weeks I have been progressing well.”
Update me on your training as a receiver, how is that coming along?
“I’ve been training with my QB to get our timing down. It is a new feeling. I feel like I will be able to be an impact player this year on offense.”
Were you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I was playing with Formula 4 Speed.”
How was training with the coaches at Formula 4 Speed helping you take your game to that next level?
“It is helping prepare for the season. Being able to go against talents from other cities and states allows you to see where you are as a player.”
Are you adding any other roles to your plate beyond corner and receiver in 2020?
“I will be returning kicks this year.”
The offer from Vanderbilt is there, which schools are showing interest?
“A lot of Pac-12 teams and Yale.”
Which Pac-12 teams?
“Utah, Arizona State, Arizona, Colorado, and UCLA.”
Over the last couple of months, did you get a chance to visit any programs?
“Yes. I visited Arizona two or three weeks ago.”
How did the Arizona trip go?
“It was great. I got to see one of my old Formula 4 Speed 7v7 teammates, (CB) Chris Roland (Wallace). I talked to Coach (Paul) Rhodes (DC) during my visit. It was a good experience.”
There is some time before the college camps begin, but are there any you are looking at attending this summer?
“I’m looking to a UCLA camp.”
This is new to my interviews. The virus buster question of the day. When all gets back to normal, what is one thing you’ve not been able to do over the last couple of weeks that you are eagerly waiting to do?
“I’m waiting to get back with my team to build as much chemistry as we can so we will all be on the same page this season.”
Jalen, thanks for your time today and wishing you success with your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Jalen Williams at Arizona