Interesting note about the prospect highlighted, he carries a 4.2 grade point average. With that out in the open, Matt Williams (5-11/188lbs), Gaither 2014 OLB is not a name that rolls off the tongue of prospect evaluators or college recruiters. He is one of those talented high school players who goes about his craft the right way and will get a chance to play college ball because of it.
This year is different from the others. He is no longer trying to fit in or just do his job. He is expected to lead and make sure everyone on his defense does their job. He has evolved into a key component, must have player and gift to the coaching staff.
TEAM TAMPA
Williams is a member of the 7v7 National Champions, Team Tampa. A hand picked unit of highly talented players from the Tampa Bay Area that competes against other club teams across the nation. Playing with such a team opened Williams eyes and gave him a sense of confidence.
“Playing with Team Tampa helped me see that I can play with any type of talent level. There were a lot of ‘Top Recruits’ at the tournament, yet along on Team Tampa ourselves. Just the fact that I could run with those guys and stick them, just gives me a boost of confidence that I can run and guard anybody I line up against.”
WHEN IT’S YOUR TIME
As a senior and a player who has played a lot of varsity football, the expectations rise. The positive practices learned from the seniors prior, should become evident in how veterean players carry themselves. Williams describes his maturation process as a Gaither senior Cowboy.
“Throughout my years at Gaither, I sat back and I watched the seniors ahead of me and how they did things. How they led the team, how they walked, talked, the whole ‘9 yards.’ So when I was doing that, I kinda built my own attitude so that once I become a senior it’s easier for everyone to see who they should follow and who they shouldn’t. By working and not making excuses, anything is possible. To have that attitude everyday is contagious to the team. I do a lot of extra stuff, so they see me go the extra mile it makes them want to go the extra mile.”
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Nothing substitutes hard work. That goes for any aspect of life. Football is no exception. Gaither has raised their game with a new attitude and hard work. They have won 17 games in 2 seasons and “some what” the hunter. The target is growing with their success. The target is directly effected by the off season efforts of the team.
“Everyone on the team knows that the target on our back hasn’t gotten any smaller. The loss to Newsome in the playoffs last year and the loss in the spring game has the team ready to get back out there. The ‘New Gaither’ has a different look and feel than years past Gaither teams. We are just fighting to be the best. You get out what you put in! So we are just working at high intensities and working harder than the next team. We aren’t the biggest team but we will out work you and out play you. That’s what we are working on.”
BHSN/BCP 9 ROUTE 7 ON 7 TOURNAMENT
Last July, Gaither advanced to the BHSN/BCP Championship Game fighting past a number of talented teams. They faced East Lake in the final game which would not end in their favor. This year, the expectations have not changed. But, hopefully for the Cowboys, the result will.
“Our expectations are to win the whole thing. We don’t go out there for any other reason. Coach Stokes says that 7on7 doesn’t mean anything, it’s just practice. But, that loss to East Lake last year really hurt. This year we want to win it ALL. Even though I won’t be able to make it, due to the fact that I’m going to Vanderbilt this weekend, I trust in my boys to lock it down and get it done.”
WHAT YOU PUT IN, IS WHAT YOU GET OUT
“As a player and as a prospect I know that I’m not the biggest, and I may not be the fastest. But, I know that the guy next to me won’t beat me because he is faster than me or because he is stronger than me, but because he had to fight for every inch. I’m not a push over and I won’t let someone out work me. And as a coach that’s all you can ask for, I won’t be denied and I won’t be out worked”