Interview: 4-Star 2023 California WR Rashid Williams is Ready for a Showcase Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Earning second team All-Bay Valley honors as a freshman is pretty impressive, and that is a theme with Rashid Williams – impressive. The 6-2, 180-pound, receiver worked his raw athletic talents for 272 yards off 27 receptions with five touchdowns in 2019 leaving the notion of the sky is the limit rattling around recruiting circles. The action on the gridiron against Division I California teams has caught attention of college football programs in the Pac-12, Mountain West Conference, and SEC so far.
In an RNG update interview, Williams covers ground on his offseason workouts with a recruiting briefing.
*Click the link for the March 2020 RNG interview with Rashid Williams
Interview
Rashid, the coaching staff at Pittsburg put you in an awesome situation working you into the Pirates offense as a freshman on a high-achieving team. Looking back, what was the experience like for you?
The experience was a great experience and it was exciting to be in the offense and playing. Not being on the sideline for my freshman year was crazy. It was exciting to be playing.
Not only did you jump up three levels from youth ball to varsity action, but you were emersed in the fire against California D-I competition. How have you used that experience to push your skillset forward this offseason?
We have a 7v7 team and we do one on ones in 7v7, I keep in mind that I played against senior and juniors last year and they could not guard. For me, I now have that confidence that they cannot press me and if I run a good route, I will get open. Confidence is the main thing.
Your releases and how you get defensive backs to flip their hips early are ahead of the curve. Of your technical skills, what have you been working on as a receiver this offseason?
I have been working on a speed release, quick feet, being patient at the line as well, and doing two and three steps off the release.
How have you worked to add more speed and agility to your skills?
There is a hill, next to a gym where I workout, that I run. We lift first, it is a turf hill, then we run that and do it with sleds. There is also a rock hill by where I live that I run. I have been working on my legs and calves to get my explosiveness up.
With all that you have put into your game over the spring and summer, where are you noticing the personal improvements in all that you do on the field?
I see the improvements running past defenders and off the line I am faster. I’ve been working on my head whip and I am always working on my hands to not drop any passes every. Speed, head whip, and catching.
What will be the offensive set in 2020 for the Pirates?
I am pretty sure we are sticking to the Spread with trips from time to time.
Where will you be lining up?
We’ve been running routes on air. I’m on the outside.
What routes are you running this season?
Go-routes, posts, comebacks, outs, slants, and maybe some curls.
You mentioned lining up on the outside, where else might you line up this season?
My coach said I will be on the outside and maybe in the slot. I want to play safety this year also.
How have you prepared for playing free safety?
I’ve been getting my alignments down. During 7v7, I am working on my technique and footwork. I am going in when I can on defense for one on ones. Learning at looking at the hips.
Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
Six.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Utah and Arkansas. I have developed good relationships with the coaches that have offered.
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Oregon State, San Jose State, and Utah
When visits are allowed again in 2021, are there any you may go see?
I’d like to visit all the schools that have offered. I have been talking about it with those schools. Hopefully we can get down there.
California is finally nearing the start of the 2020 season. Once the season gets going, what goals have you set for yourself?
I want at least 900 yards, that is a goal for me, 16 TDs, and maybe 65 to 70 receptions.
Let’s close with something fun. What did you do for Halloween?
My best friend, he’s my neighbor, we grew up together, his parents had a get together. We did a scavenger hunt with the kids, watched movies and ate.
Which movies did you watch?
We watched Sleepy Hallow, Nightmare before Christmas, and Hush.
Nice. Rashid, always fun catching up with you. Thanks for your time and keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Williams family; Rashid Williams