Interview: 4-Star 2022 Mater Dei WR CJ Williams Covers Upcoming Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
At any level of football, it is difficult for an underclassman or “green” talent to make a big impact on the field. With that thought in mind, what Class of 2022 receiver CJ Williams did on the gridiron with Mater Dei during the 2019 season was spectacular. Not only was the 6-2, 188-pound, receiver a dynamic play-maker for the Monarchs hauling in 50 passes for 684 yards with five touchdowns, but he did it on a squad filled with upperclassmen that had posted back-to-back national championships. Williams’ contributions helped Mater Dei to a 12-1 record and an end-of-season No. 2 national ranking by MaxPreps.
Seeing the four-star recruit as a dynamic difference maker on the field, 16 programs spanning the nation have already dropped offers in Williams’ lap. Getting an update on his offseason workouts and upcoming recruiting visits, Williams and I sat down for another in-depth interview.
Interview
CJ, your sophomore season was a breakout year becoming a trusted target for five-star quarterback Bryce Young (Alabama). When the season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game as a receiver?
“I feel I did really well at getting open and showing my numbers to Bryce. Bryce is accurate, but I wanted to do my part getting open and showing him my numbers. My blocking is a strength. Our run game was very efficient this season. My run blocking, getting open, and catching the ball were all strengths at the end of the season.”
You were lining up all over the field in 2019, especially at slot. Where all might we see you on the field in 2020?
“Same thing, all over. On the left, the right, and in the slot. We will mix up the offense more in 2020, everyone will be moving around. I will be in every position, but not in the backfield. I might be on the line at tight end; you never know.”
What are you doing now to prepare for your junior season?
“A lot of explosiveness. I am working to become more explosive off the line. I got better with my routes, but I am still working on them. When I get in my stride, I want to outrun the DB and not rely on the QB to put it in the right spot. I want it to be easier for the QB.”
Have you attended any camps yet this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I competed at the Under Armour Camp. I will be at a Rivals camp the following week on March 1.”
How did the Under Armour Camp go for you?
“It was good. It was pouring rain, which was a bad day for quarterbacks and receivers but a good day for defensive backs. One of the coaches that worked with me at the camp, he is a coach at St. Francis, he had a lot of insight to share with me, I give a lot of respect to him for his help. He remembered me from the season. There were a lot of great defensive backs out there. I won some and lost some. I saw some stuff to take into the next camp. I will be seeing these guys over and over again this offseason.”
A turn to recruiting. The offers are piling up but which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Ohio State, UCLA has spoken to me, and Stanford – I hope to be the first in their 2022 class to get an offer. That would be big for me.”
How many offers are you holding now?
“Sixteen.”
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Offers (16): Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, California, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas, USC, Washington, and Washington State
Have you taken any recent visits?
“I have taken a game day visit to Arizona State.”
If you will, tell me about that visit.
“That was ASU’s upset game against Oregon. I met with their receivers’ coach and with their receivers’ assistant coach; they are two great dudes. They cared about me as a person and a player.”
Nice. Are there any planned visits coming up?
“In a few weeks I will be going to Northern California going back to Cal and to Stanford; I have never seen their campus. I am also planning on going to Oregon and Oregon State after that when we are up there for a 7v7 tournament. My dad and I will go check out those two schools. I plan to visit some schools in the Midwest too, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas and Texas A&M.”
CJ, it was great catching up with you ahead of all these big visits. Wishing you continued success with your workouts this offseason.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; CJ Williams at Arizona State