We got a chance to catch up Northside Christian’s Darius Williams recently and the young man gave us a quick rundown of where his offseason is at along with some of his vision and goals for the future. The Mustangs went 8-3 last season under Head Coach Mike Alstott before bowing out in the first round of the playoffs to Naples First Baptist Academy. Northside Christian was the runners-up in District 5-2A behind Indian Rocks Christian.
Williams helped his defensive unit achieve 25 sacks and 9 interceptions on the season. He’s admittedly got some things to work on over the summer and this fall, but he’s extremely honest and this Xecutives invitee is ready to show the folks around the area that he’s already willing to do what it takes to make someone’s roster at the next level. He’s recently picked up an offer from D-II Florida Tech in Melbourne and could have a few more schools extending an invite to join them on campus next season in the not-so-distant future. For now, Williams is focused on what he’s gotta do to make himself and his team better as they approach the season.
Here is Darius Williams, in his own words–
BCP: We know you’ve got some things coming up in the future and the last few days have been exciting as well. How’s the offseason going and how’s the recruiting been treating you this summer?
DW: “My summer is going pretty good! I just received an offer from Florida Tech and I’ve gone to a couple camps just trying to workout and get better. FIU’s coaches talked to me at their camp last Saturday and told me that they would be checking out my senior film and that they would be in contact with me as well.”
BCP: With a school like Florida Tech among others that have shown interest, you probably take your grades just as seriously. What’s been your favorite class and have you started looking at schools or possibly decided on a major at all this early?
DW: “I’d have to say, Science is my favorite class. I would like to major in computer technology in college. I think it’s a good choice because this generation is so technology based and will be for generations to come so I just think it’s a good place for me to be in.”
BCP: Much has been made about the district your team is situated in this fall with Admiral Farragut and Indian Rccks Christian. Even though you guys enjoyed a pretty successful season last year, it feels like there could be a possibility that those teams get all the spotlight and that some folks may take your squad for granted. Do you or your teammates think about that at all?
DW: “We’re not really worried about what the other folks think nor are we the type of team to go and talk a bunch; we’re just really working hard in the weight room right now and we have a lot of underclassmen plus seniors that just can’t wait for the season to start. We can’t worry about what we did last year and in the playoffs. All we can do is worry about “now” and focus on working towards a state championship. Our big goal is for us to go to the state championship.”
BCP: Is there anything that you’re working on this offseason that you really feel like you needed to address to make yourself a better player at your OLB position?
DW: “I feel like when it comes to being in coverage, I’m a little underrated in that area so I’ve been working a lot in 1-on-1’s and working with my teammates during workouts and my 7-on-7 team and so on. The position I play during the season has me playing in the box a lot, which has me making tackles so I don’t get a lot of chances to work on my skills in coverage.”
BCP: With Xecutives coming this Sunday, you’ve definitely got a shot at showing some folks that regardless of what needs to be worked on and that you’ll step in there and and mix-it-up, won’t you?
DW: “Yes Sir! I just want to show people that I can compete with the best-of-the-best. I feel like if I can go out and just do-what-I-do and focus then I can do that.”
BCP: Do you think that playing at the smaller schools that sometimes guys don’t get the looks they think they should?
DW: “I don’t think that’s it because there’s a lot of people at small schools that have big-time D-1 offers, I feel like it’s my height range to be honest. I feel like a lot of colleges are going to go after the guys with the taller frames first, the 6-foot plus guys; but I want to show them that I can compete with the best this Sunday.”
–We want to thank Darius for his time and wish him and all the participants at Xecutives in Lakeland this Sunday the best of luck and to have fun competing this weekend!