Interview: Potential Visits Ahead for 5-Star 2022 Oklahoma ATH/CB Gentry Williams
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The high school football world first heard of Gentry Williams during the 2018 season, and he has not disappointed us with his play on the field since. As a freshman he showcased his game-breaking speed on offense rushing for 2226 yards with four touchdowns and flashed his arm strength completing 44 passes for 784 yards with 10 touchdowns all while playing corner. At the end of the 2019 season, the growth for Williams as a corner continued while he torched 6A Oklahoma defenses as an elite athlete on offense with 802 yards passing on 53 completions with nine scores and rushed 75 times for 414 yards with two trips into the end zone. As word on the abilities of the 6-0, 175-pound, play-maker grew, so did his offer sheet. As Williams prepares for his junior campaign with Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington, 15 offers on the table with a recruiting battle brewing for one of the nation’s best in the 2022 class.
In another RNG catch-up interview, Williams takes a break from his team and individual workouts preparing us for the Hornets 2020 season with an update on his recruiting options.
*Click link for April 26 RNG interview with Gentry Williams
Interview
Gentry, all the hard work put into your game this offseason is finally about to be showcased with a kickoff game against Southmoore on Aug. 28. How are you feeling ahead of the first test of the 2020 season?
I am ecstatic. I could not be more ready for this season. We are ready to showcase what we have this year.
When we spoke last you were preparing for a dual role on offense at quarterback and receiver. Over the summer months, how have you prepared for both positions?
Oh man, by just working hard and buying into what the coaches have been saying. I have been preparing hard for both positions.
As Game 1 of the 2020 season nears, have your roles on offense been defined in more detail? How much of each position might you be playing this season?
It is still up in the air, but I will be starting at receiver and corner. But I could be at quarterback or running back this week too.
Your skills on defense at corner have improved greatly every year. How have you fine-tuned that part of your game this summer to take those skills to yet another level?
Oh man, by watching more film on great DBs seeing what they do and how they attack a receiver. I take a lot of mental reps, reps in practice and on the weekends – whenever I can.
What kind of workouts have you been doing to increase your overall conditioning and speed?
We push ourselves hard at practice and we do conditioning workouts. Coach Brown has done an amazing job preparing us for the season. We will be ready when the time comes. Over the summer, because of the pandemic, I’ve been doing a lot of drills to be more explosive, quicker off that first step, and to be the best player I can be for my team this year.
Other than the opening game on Aug. 28th against Southmoore, which always has everyone excited, what other games on the schedule has you hyped this year?
I do have our first one circled because we have a new head coach and it is a new season, but I am also excited to play against Del City, Choctaw, and Bixby. Those are the three most excited.
Let’s update your recruiting process. How many offers do you have now?
I have 15 offers.
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Baylor, Florida Atlantic, Georgia, Iowa State, LSU, Memphis, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tulsa, and USC
Have you taken any virtual visits this spring or summer?
Yes, I took one with Oklahoma, that was my only one.
What did the coaches at Oklahoma show you during that virtual visit?
The versatility for me at their school, and that they have my best interest in track and football.
As of right now, once the campuses open back up do you have any planned trips or visits you’d like to take?
Of course. I plan on going to LSU and Georgia, those two schools are high on my radar, and back to Arkansas.
Going into your junior season with another year left to play, are you feeling pressure to commit early to get the recruiting process behind you in some way?
Not pressure, but I am starting to see the time for me with recruiting is coming. It is almost time to start my process, but I am enjoying it.
When you make that decision, at this point in your recruitment what are the key things a program and school must have for you to seriously consider them as a potential landing spot?
A program that has my best interest in all aspects and a program where I can come in compete, be myself, and be in a family environment.
Gentry, it is always fun going over your growth on an off the field. Thanks for your time and good luck this season until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Williams family; Gentry Williams