Interview: 2020 ATH Aalias Williams is a Rising Star after 5 Picks and 1,200 Receiving Yards

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is not a much one can say about Class of 2020 Bonita High School receiver/corner Aalias Williams that the stats do not say on their own. The 5-11, 165-pound, two-way star pulled in 83 passes for 1,257 yards with 10 touchdowns and came up with 37 tackles, nine pass breakups, and five picks during his first season at corner.

That kind of production cannot be ignored calling me to learn more about Williams’ junior campaign with an in-depth one-on-one interview.

Interview

Aalias, I have to admit, I enjoyed watching your game tape. You play with a no fear approach popping offensive players and going across the middle as a receiver. Not everyone can do that. How did you set your mind right to get to that point with your game?

“With a lot of training. A coach I train with, he teaches me to go across the middle – he hits me with bags as I go across the middle. I have to catch the ball, tuck it in, and get hit. He hits me hard too. It is second nature for me to do that now.”

It is working. Your take off speed shows on tape. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

(Laughs) “I have never run a 40-yard dash.”

Do you run track?

“Yes.”

Which events?

“The 100, high jump long jump and triple.”

Of all the events, which is your best?

“Probably the triple jump.”

What is your best jump?

“49.7.”

Nice. I couldn’t do that if it was the quadruple jump. (he laughs) Which game was your best this season? Your pick on all-around, on offense, or on defense.

“For receptions, it was the Ayala game. I had 200 yards of 18 catches. My best all-around game was against Highland (playoffs). I had a pick, batted down two passes, and had 117 receiving yards with a 92-yard TD.”

All of those qualify. On defense, your athleticism helps you make plays and you take some risks that payoff. How would you describe your play as a corner?

“My play at corner, this was my first year to play corner. It was hard to transition at first. My coaching staff was great, they helped me a lot. They taught me technique, that helped me get the five picks I got. I have to give thanks to them. Before this year, I’d be playing safety or no defense at all.”

What are your strengths at corner?

“My strengths are knowing tendencies of the offensive player – see his body tilting and moving. I am good at reading alignments. If the receiver is running in, I am cautious of the out route or a double move.”

Same question but on offense, what are your strengths there?

“My strengths are breaking down the corner and getting him to move his hips. What I do is, I do what would get me to move as a defender and do that. I watch their reel. I can see what they go for and go out and do it.”

You may get this question a lot, but which position do you like playing the most?

“I like both. There is no set position for me. On offense I get the touchdowns and on defense I get the picks. Both are hype to me.”

What are you going to work on this offseason?

“I plan to work on getting off the ball faster. I see my hesitation on film. Another thing is working on stronger hands and better route running. I am looking forward to top competition in 7v7 tournaments facing college bound athletes. That can only help me get better.”

Aalias, it was great learning more about you and your abilities today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Daily Bulletin; No. 23 Aalias Williams reception