Interview: 4-Star 2021 DL Keanu Williams Updates Season with Clovis
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Because the future is so bright for Class of 2021 defensive lineman Keanu Williams, that means dark days ahead for opposing running backs and quarterbacks. The Clovis High School (5-4) standout uses his mix of speed, strength, and technique to disrupt plays from the snap ready to take over games in the Division I California trenches. In stats posted through nine games this season, the 6-5, 260-pound, defender has put an end to 55 plays with 10 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and six times has scared the life out of a quarterback.
For Williams’ efforts, he has been awarded four-star recruiting status with around 20 scholarship offers dropped. Among the many includes Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, USC, and Utah. Covering his play on the field and growing recruiting prospects off it, I went in-depth with one of California’s top defensive linemen.
Interview
Keanu, the Cougars picked up another big win on Friday night taking down Clovis North at their house 42-34. How did the team look in the win?
“Our team really came together and pushed through for the win Friday night.”
What are some of the strengths of the team this season?
“The main strength of our team is our D-line, which really helps us in the long run against all types of teams who really run the ball.”
Watching film on you, looks like you guys run a 3-4 and have gotten into a 4-3 too. On defense, what is the base set?
“Our base set for our defense is a 4-3 mainly, but we change for the game plan.”
I’ve seen you at tackle, nose guard, and end. Where all are you lining up in the scheme and what are your responsibilities?
“In the schemes we run, I mainly play 3-technique shade and dominate.”
Of all the positions, which do you like playing best?
“My position that I like playing is tackle, mainly.”
Which areas of your game are showing the most improvement this year?
“My biggest improvement this year would be my pass rush due to me already beating my sacks that I’ve had last year.”
How are teams scheming against you?
(Laughs) “Teams are scheming for me by triple teaming me.”
What do you now feel are the overall strengths to your game?
“My run stopping abilities is my biggest strength.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Georgia and LSU have shown a ton of interest but haven’t offered yet.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have about 20 offers.”
Which schools have you unofficially visited from the summer to now?
“I visited USC when they played Fresno State.”
Are you planning on taking any visits coming up?
“I’m waiting to take my official visits in the spring.”
The next game is Clovis West (3-6). What is the playoff scenario for you guys?
“The scenario for us is just to win a game at a time and try and get to the valley game.”
To close out the season with a win against the Golden Eagles, what does the team need to do?
“We really just have to play our game, be focused and be worried about doing our job. We have to study our film.”
Keanu, thanks for your time today and good luck the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Clovis HS; No. 94 Keanu Williams in action