Interview: 2023 California ATH/WR Rashid Williams Impresses Earning Four Scholarship Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There were a lot of amazing things happening on the gridiron with Pittsburg High School during the 2019 season. The Pirates worked their way to an 11-2 season going against Division I California competition behind an aggressive offense lighting up teams for 36 points per game on average. One of the surprise impact players during the season was freshman receiver/athlete Rashid Williams. The 6-1, 170-pound, athlete earned second team All-Bay Valley League honors after snagging 27 passes for 272 yards with five touchdowns scored. The result of his breakthrough season has been offers from Arizona State, California, Oregon State, and San Jose State.

In an RNG first look, Williams jumps into the Lab for a detailed conversation about his action on the gridiron with an update on his offseason workout goals.

Interview

Rashid, not only did you make the varsity roster as a freshman for a Division-I California squad but you also made an impact on the field. Going into the season did you know you would have such a big role in the offense?

“I didn’t. I thought I would be the backup, but hoped to get into the rotation with some playing time. I kept working hard, the coaches saw that, and it went from there. I was really excited. I didn’t know I would do that.”

All players, no matter how talented or confident, go through an adjustment period each time they level up. What were some of the adjustments you had to make in a hurry with the Pirates last season?

“I had to adjust to the speed. Everything was slow before going up to the varsity, but the varsity is very fast. The coaches expect you to know specific things as well.”

Did you have a “welcome to the varsity” moment in practice or during a game?

“Not in a game yet, but I did in practice. We were doing these blocking drills. I didn’t know we were going full-speed, I took a hit. The next time I went full-speed and got him in the blocking drill.”

What were some of the routes you were running last season?

“Slants, go routes, posts, post digs, comebacks, and a drag route we ran short, right behind the linemen, and turned it up the field.”

Guessing you have heard this a time or two, but you do not look like a freshman out there. Your understanding of the game is above the grade and the way you work to get open off the line is impressive. Where does that come from with you? Coaching, instincts, or both?

“It comes from my coaching. Coach Taylor did a lot of work with me over the years. When I was younger, I was at running back. As I got taller, my dad moved me to receiver. We found Coach Taylor, he was in the NFL, he knows what he is talking about. I still work with him. I worked with him a couple of days ago. My brother plays receiver in college, he shows me a lot. He is helping me with getting off the line and how to run my routes. Coach Francisco helps me a lot as well. He is a great receivers’ coach.”

How did your overall game improve last season?

“I improved running my routes and doing a route in detail with my head whip. QBs get the ball out faster. My catching, that also improved.”

Which positions might you play during the 2020 season?

“I will play safety. I think my coach might put me in the slot some too.”

What parts of your game are you working on this spring?

“I’m working on my routes, getting them as good as I can. I am working on faking out the defender and I am always working on my catching – you can’t go wrong with that. Another thing I am working on is getting off the line against better corners. Last year the other teams put the “other guy” on me. I will face better corners this year.”

Are you competing in any other sports this year?

“Yes, in basketball and I run track.”

Which events in track are yours?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, 4×2 and high jump.”

Wow. That is impressive. Rashid, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts until we talk again.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Williams family; Rashid Williams at Oregon State