Interview: 2021 CB Jalen Williams Talks Football and Saturday Visit to UCLA

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Beyond the stats, game film tells the story of cornerback Jalen Williams. The 5-11, 180-pound, defender earned all the attention he may receive going forward by his play on the field as a sophomore coming up with 20 tackles and two picks for Paraclete High School. Season stats for the Spirits (6-4) have not been released yet, but Williams is back building off the foundation laid down a year ago taking on top opposing California receivers and quarterbacks earning that reputation as a hard-nosed cover corner. His skillset brought an offer from Vanderbilt with Pac-12 programs showing interest.

Ahead of the Spirits regular season finale against in-state powerhouse Sierra Canyon, Williams and I sat down for a one-on-one talking about his growing skills on the field and his upcoming recruiting visits.

Interview

Jalen, the Spirits have the look of peaking at the right time winning three in a row. What has the team been doing well to get on a roll as the playoffs near?

“We have come together as a team. We have bought into our coach and his game plans. We have the hunger to win state with the caliber team we have – that is keeping us going.”

*Lost 24-20 to Sierra Canyon on Friday night

The defense has been doing a good job of keeping the opposing offenses off the board at 19 points per game. What set are you guys running?

“We run a 3-4 and 4-3, we mix things around. Sometimes we go man. We like to play our opponent.”

You just kind of touched on this, which coverages are the secondary executing?

“We run Cover 2, 3, and 1. Sometimes we stack the box with a safety blitz.”

Watching your film from your sophomore season, you developed a reputation then as a cover guy doing a very good job of playing both the receiver and the ball. What have you done over time to work on your cover skills as a corner?

“Over the offseason I worked to become more patient, not being so aggressive in man situations, and read the offense better. All of this is helped by studying film and knowing their tendencies so I can make plays.”

Did you receive extra training in the offseason to prepare for the 2019 schedule?

“Yes. I trained with Formula 4 Speed. I trained with Coach Terry and Coach Williams throughout the spring and summer on my footwork and hand-eye coordination.”

Did that also include playing 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed?

“Yes.”

Looking back, how did those training sessions and reps in 7v7 tournaments help you push your game to another level for your junior year?

“It prepped me for the season by helping me get ready for the talent and routes I will face.”

Your speed shows on film, what is the best 40-yard dash time you put down over the offseason?

“My best was an unofficial 4.54 at school.”

Taking all of it, your workouts, game experience, practices with the Spirits, how have your skills improved this season?

“My ball skills have improved and so has my patience. I am reading offenses better.”

Last season you got some snaps on offense, are you playing any offense or special teams this season?

“Yes. I am returning kicks, but I am not playing offense this year. But I can do it if needed.”

Is there an aspect of your game that may not get the attention it deserves because it does not show up in the stat sheet?

“Yes. I feel like I am a great tackler. I help in run support for my team. Against run-heavy teams, I show up. My lack of numbers in interceptions can get overlooked. I am confident in my ball skills.”

If the other team is not throwing your way, you can’t get picks.

(Laughs) “You are right.”

Of the nine games played, which was your best game?

“The Chaminade game was my best. I gave up two catches for less than 20 yards. I was playing their best receiver and I denied him.”

That all-too important first offer has been dropped by Vanderbilt, which other schools are showing interest?

“UCLA, Washington State, Washington, and Arizona State.”

Do you plan on visiting any programs coming up?

“Yes. On Saturday, I am going to UCLA. I am also visiting Sac State and Stanford in the next two weeks.”

What has you excited about visiting UCLA on Saturday?

“I’m excited to watch Darnay Holmes (CB), he is my favorite college DB. I try to take what he does in games and implement it into my own.”

He is an exciting and very talented player – a great one to watch. Jalen, thank you for your time today and good luck with your visit to UCLA, Sacramento State, and Stanford.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Paraclete HS; Jalen Williams