Interview: Arkansas 2018 QB Tyson Williams Makes the Game Even More Exciting to Watch
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Play on the gridiron can be summarized based off of productivity, height and weight, speed, and/or power. For some, the measurables are just not enough to fully describe what said player brings to the field when the lights come on. The phrase “X-factor” is used a lot which can encompass heart, determination, and sometimes even a touch of magic. For Class of 2018 quarterback Tyson Williams, he brings a certain element of magic to his game supported by the physical gifts and his knowledge of his offense.
It happens at all levels and in any sport, if a player does not fully know or understand what they are doing there is some hesitation to their game. On the flip side, experience in the pocket can allow some hesitation as a form of trickery giving time for a play to develop or for a receiver to get open while the quarterback earns his stripes hanging in the pocket sure to take a big hit. The good ones know how to work their system to bring out the best in any given play setting up their teammates for a big gain downfield. Williams has that X-factor he brings to the game for Jonesboro High School.
The signs of what could be were there in 2015 for Williams with snaps split with fellow Class of 2018 quarterback AJ Aycock. The two quarterbacks put up similar stat lines with Acycock hitting 99-of-155 passes for 1,988 yards and 25 touchdowns while Williams hit 89-of-154 for 1,302 yards with 16 scores posted. The Hurricanes posted a 9-2 record in 2016 with Williams being the main man during the season connecting on 153-of-220 (.695) for 2,846 yards with 37 touchdowns tossed in 9.5 games played.
Williams started to come into his own showing a mastery of the offense and how to play his role. Play after play shows Williams hung in the pocket to deliver a strike downfield, looked defenders away with a quick throw to the other side of the field, and made throws with touch dropping a dime right into his receivers’ hands. The 5-10, 175 pound, talent also worked defenses pulling them in on a scramble once the pocket collapsed for a check down dump pass to a receiver or running back. All the big plays earned Williams Arkansas All-State 6A honors at the end of the 2016 season.
Interest is building for Williams with teams like Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Penn, and Williams College (MA) excited to see what he can within the Hurricanes offense during his senior season. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the All-State performer to get the inside scoop on his recruiting process and his play on the field.
Interview
What type of offense does Jonesboro run?
“We run a spread offense.”
Do you have a favorite play within the offense you like to run or a favorite pass pattern you like to throw?
“We throw a bunch of post, digs, and corners. I like all of them. We mix it up a lot.”
During your sophomore season, AJ Aycock and you split game snaps with nearly identical statistical numbers. How did taking turns commanding the offense during the 2015 season help your game?
“It was good to be able to play but it was hard to get a rhythm. We split every two possessions. Being on the sidelines watching AJ, I could focus on the reads and see what I would have done in the same situation.”
During your junior season you were in charge of the offense by yourself. What was the difference for you from your sophomore season to junior campaign? How did you approach each game knowing you were the primary spark for the Hurricanes’ offense?
“I really tried to not do too much – just play. I did not worry about each throw or touchdowns. I was focused on just playing and winning.”
You are listed as a dual-threat quarterback, do you see yourself that way?
“I feel like I can make plays with my legs but I think of myself as a pocket passer.”
How did your game get better last season?
“I feel like I was more accurate and had more control. I knew the offense better and was reading defenses better. I knew where to go with the ball. I think overall my mechanics improved a lot. I was throwing it with more touch on deep passes and harder on the short passes.”
What aspects of your game are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on being more of an athlete – being able to run and escape the pocket. I’m working on my arm strength too.”
Are you working with any quarterback coaches this off-season?
“I’m working with Clint Stoerner (Arkansas Razorbacks) at D-I Sports in Little Rock.”
How far of a drive is that for you?
“Over two hours.”
That’s dedication to the craft. What camps might you attend this spring or summer?
“I’m wanting to go to an Arkansas State, UCA (Central Arkansas), and a USA Development regional in Little Rock. I might go to other local camps like OBU (Ouachita Baptist) and maybe Memphis.”
You were invited to the Dallas Nike Regional. How did that camp go for you?
“It went well. I thought I did well. I threw the ball well.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Williams College, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, and Penn.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I took one to Southern Miss during the fall.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“4.04.”
What score have you received on the ACT or SAT?
“I have an ACT composite of 26 and a super score of 27.”
Do you play any other sports for Jonesboro?
“Baseball.”
Which positions?
“Infield – third and second, catcher, and pitcher.”
At the end of your senior season in football, what all will have happened for you to consider that time a success for you personally and for the Hurricanes as a team?
“We want to win a state championship. I want to be a leader and leave a legacy.”
Tyson, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: @PhotosbyPTP – PTP; No. 4 Tyson Williams in action.