Interview: 4-Star 2022 Oklahoma ATH Gentry Williams has SEC Programs on the Visit List
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a really good reason Class of 2022 standout Gentry Williams has been identified as one of the top athletes in the nation, he can do it all. With speed, determination, and off the charts God given athleticism, all the coaches at Tulsa’s Washington High School have to do is ask Williams to line up at any skill position on the gridiron and it will be done at a four-star caliber level.
Williams broke onto the scene in 2018 as a dual-threat talent in the Hornets’ offense who go some time in on defense. Once the 2019 season had concluded, Williams was that do-everything player who shinned bright on both sides of the ball. Full season stats were not released for the Hornets, but half a season was showing Williams completing 53 of 94 passes for 802 yards with nine touchdowns while rushing for 400 yards with two scores and pulling in a 56-yard touchdown pass.
The combined talents with the option for college coaches to line him up just about anywhere has brought 12 offers to Williams’ table. The extended dead period has limited visits for the Oklahoma standout, but a visit was taken before the quarantine to Arkansas with other SEC and a potential Pac-12 trip on the schedule in the coming months.
In another RNG one-on-one interview, Williams catches us up on his skills on the field, offseason workouts, and gives a recruiting update.
Interview
Gentry, you were an impact player last season for the Hornets on both sides of the ball. How do you feel the season went for you personally in that two-way role?
“The season, it was a growth season. I made a lot of strides in my development. I came in and the game was still playing fast for me, but it slowed down. I played more comfortable this season.”
Given all that you were doing at quarterback and corner, how did you prepare each week for a game?
“The mentality was to attack every possession like it is my last. If I was on offense it was to score. If I was on defense it was the mentality that we needed a stop. Preparing for that, I did a lot of film study and my coaches prepared me for the moments so when the game came it was not that hard.”
How did your game improve as a quarterback last season?
“I think it improved tremendously. Last season I was reading better, made better audibles, and took control of the game when I needed to.”
And on defense, looks like you were playing a lot of man at corner. How did that part of your game rise to the next level?
“That improved the most on the field. I was more confident and I was more skilled. When playing man, I felt that this receiver would not catch the ball. I was locking him down; he is taken out the game.”
Next year, where all will we see you on the field?
“In 2020 you will see me a lot at corner, you will see me play at lot of quarterback and some receiver, and on the special teams game this year.”
Since the season ended what all have you been working on with your game on offense?
“Really trying to work on the quick-twitch muscles and getting in-and-out of my breaks. I have speed, but want to improve the stopping and going on a dime.”
And on defense?
“On defense I am working on being more patient as a DB, not guessing, having confidence and trusting myself.”
A minute ago, you touched on this. The speed you have is a difference maker no matter where you line up. Did you get a chance to put down a timed run anytime over the last few months?
“My only timed run was a 100 at practice; they clocked me at a 10.4 or 10.3.”
Wow. Impressive.
“Thank you.”
As you are working on your game and your fast-twitch muscles, what is your daily routine to help stay on top of your physical talents?
“Still been working out – I have been doing ladder drills, running hills, footwork, a sand pit workout, and working on being lighter on my feet.”
The offers have rolled in for you since we last spoke. How many are you holding now?
“Twelve.”
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Baylor, Georgia, Iowa State, Memphis, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tulsa, and USC
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“Mizzou, Georgia, and USC.”
Before the NCAA mandated dead period began, going back to last season did you get in any unofficial visits?
“Yes, I did. I took a visit to Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tulsa.”
How did the Arkansas visit go for you?
“I liked it; I was fortunate to meet both coaching staffs. I liked what Coach (Chad) Morris was saying when he was the head coach and I like what Coach (Sam) Pittman (head coach) brings to Arkansas. It is his mentality that I am really liking.”
And the Oklahoma visit, how did that go?
“It was okay. It went pretty good.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned visits you may take extending into the fall?
“This fall I will probably go to some football games. Missouri is one I will try to visit. For this summer, everything is on hold right now, but I will try to go to Athens (Georgia) and USC.”
Last question. Time for my virus buster. What have you been doing for fun during the quarantine?
“I am a gamer; I play with the guys on PS4 (PlayStation 4).”
Which games are you guys playing?
“2K, Fortnight, Call of Duty – all of them.”
Gentry, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you continued success this spring with your workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Gentry Williams at Arkansas