Interview: 3-Star 2020 California CB Macen Williams Talks Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Stats in sports can be misleading without context. To say that a corner had 44 tackles, 16 solo, two tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, and two picks is a solid season. To know that those stats were compiled by playing against some of the best teams in the state of California like Cathedral Catholic, Long Beach Poly, Narbonne, Cathedral, Notre Dame, Bishop Amat, Alemany, and St. John Bosco, the No. 2 ranked team in the nation carries more weight. Regardless of the competition, Class of 2020 cornerback Macen Williams answered the call during his junior campaign raising his profile as a national recruit.
Williams is more than just a cover corner, check the 44 total tackles. His ability to cover instantly pops watching his game reel. The 5-10, 165-pound, defender is fluid, quick, and athletic seemingly always in the face of the intended receiver when the ball comes to his side of the field. That type of play has pulled in offers from Oregon, Tennessee, Nevada, Louisville, and South Carolina earning three-star recruiting status.
After his junior season with Serra (Gardena), Williams transferred at the start of the new year to Narbonne High School (Harbor City) taking on a new challenge. In an RNG stylized interview, I sat down with Williams going over his 2018 season, offseason workouts, and received an update on his upcoming recruiting visits.
Interview
Macen, Serra played a really tough schedule in 2018 taking on some fantastic players. Looking back, what are you most proud of with your accomplishments on the field during your junior season?
“I went out there and competed every play, and tried to make each play my best play. I am happy with how I played last season.”
How did your game further develop in 2018?
“It improved by me being more patient and more physical but not overly physical. I was playing fast and smart, making good decisions.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game as a corner?
“My patience is a strength, I use my speed, and I play smart. I don’t want to be defined as a cover corner, I want to be looked at as a versatile corner who can do it all.”
You primarily lined up at corner but also got some time in at nickel showing your versatility. Regardless of position, which coverages do you like executing?
“I am good in any type of coverage – Cover 2 or Cover 3, it doesn’t matter. I will make plays on the football regardless of the coverage.”
Which areas of your skillset are you working on this spring?
“I am working on being more athletic, patient, and physical.”
I know you are playing 7v7 ball with Premium this spring, how is playing with Premium helping take your game to the next level?
“The coaches are teaching us different coverages, showing us how to play the ball, teaching us different concepts and helping improve our football IQ.”
Are you going to any national camps and/or combines coming up?
“Yes. I am going to the Under Armour All-American Camp, the Nike Opening Regional (LA), and to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Arizona, Washington, and Cal.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Nice. Do you plan to take any unofficial visits in the coming weeks?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting Cal, Washington, Tennessee, Washington State, Oregon, and UCLA this spring.”
As you start to prepare for your senior season, what is most important to you in the recruiting process?
“I am looking for the right fit for me with the program, school, and education. I don’t care where the school is located, I am open to play in any conference and in any state. I am looking for a school that wants me and me needs, and one that can help me improve with football with a degree.”
Macen, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck this weekend at the Nike Opening Regional.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Serra HS; No. 4 Macen Williams