Interview: 2022 WR Jordan Williams Talks Season and Previews Stanford Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
While most of California high school football is focused on the Trinity League, there is a whole lot of action going on throughout the state especially in the Inland Empire. In the Baseline League, there are athletes and top players throughout covering Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Chino Hills, Los Osos, Damien, and Etiwanda. While Etiwanda fielded a young team a year ago, one of the underclassmen knocking helmets against those four to five years older was receiver Jordan Williams. Williams took the lessons learned in 2018 and is parlaying that into a showcase sophomore season.
The Eagles fought hard through a 4-6 campaign in 2018, and have come out this year to a 3-2 record playing up classifications in wins over Heritage (21-18) and Murrieta Mesa (42-35) and in a loss to Great Oak. As the team clicks reaching the midway point of the season, the offense is flowing putting up an average of 35 points per game. The leader on offense in the aerial assault is Mr. Williams. After an eight-game freshman season with 14 receptions for 168 yards, he has blown the doors off with 28 passes secured for 511 yards and six scores posted on the board. He has also contributed 91 yards on the ground off five carries with two more trips into the end zone.
When called upon, Williams flips the field coming in at safety. In his limited part-time role, he has four tackles and two interceptions. All the athleticism and promise that the 6-1, 175-pound, athlete brings to the field is starting to catch recruiting attention. University of Nevada has dropped an offer while Washington and Stanford are showing interest with the Cardinal hosting Williams this weekend for their game against the No. 15 Huskies.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising prospects in the 2022 class for an overview on his game and early recruiting process.
Interview
Jordan, the Eagles’ offense has been soaring this season averaging 35 points per game. What is clicking for you guys on that side of the ball?
“Our coaches are calling great plays and we are executing them.”
Being an underclassman, entering the season did you know you would have such a big role for Etiwanda on offense?
“Yes, sir.”
How did you prepare for the role over the offseason?
“By doing the same thing I do every year, I train with Ground Zero during the offseason.”
In which ways are the coaches getting you the ball this season so you can make plays on offense?
“The coaches are getting me the ball in the backfield and in the slot. I am used more of an outside zone with running. In the slot, I am running more inside routes like slants, posts, and seams.”
You are also spending some time on defense. Where all are you lining up on that side of the ball and how often are you rotated into the game?
“I play safety. I mostly come in on third downs and crunch time situations.”
If all the work put into the season on offense wasn’t impressive enough, you also have two picks. What’s working for you on defense allowing you to make an impact on that side of the ball?
“Our defensive line is applying the pressure forcing quarterbacks to make bad throws.”
Which game this season has been your best?
“The Carter (Rialto) game was my best (won 35-12). They had no one who could guard me.”
What are some of the high-profile games left on the schedule?
“We still have Rancho (Cucamonga) and Upland left to play. Those will be big games.”
With recruiting, which schools are starting to show interest?
“Stanford and Washington are showing interest.”
Have you received that first big offer yet?
“Yes, sir. Nevada has offered.”
Nice. Are you planning on visiting any schools coming up?
“Yes. I am visiting Stanford this weekend for the Washington game.”
That will be fun. What has you excited about heading to Palo Alto?
“It is exciting to be able to go out there and interact with the coaches and players. I am excited to see the atmosphere at Stanford for a game.”
Jordan, it was great getting the interview in with you today. I hope you and the rest of the Eagles can take care of business the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Cassi (@iwokeupcrying); Jordan Williams pre-snap 2019