Interview: Sophomore Season for 2021 Arkansas DB Jacolby Williams Draws SEC Interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The highlight reel for Class of 2021 Ashdown corner/safety Jacolby Williams says it all. The sophomore was ever present on the Panthers defense covering ground up into the box and sideline to sideline picking off passes and stopping the run. While the 6-0, 175-pound, defender is still raw in some areas, the upside and athleticism is there drawing in interest from in-state power Arkansas along with Mississippi State and Baylor with an offer on the table from Texas State. To learn more about Williams’ overall game and recruiting process, we sat down for an exclusive interview.
Interview
Jacolby, how did your sophomore season turn out on the field?
“It turned out pretty good. We did not have a great season, but we had a young team. We had a lot of sophomores and we’re all coming back.”
Of the games played, which was your best?
“I’d say the Hamburg game was my best.”
What did you do well in that game to make it your best?
“I was running down plays, showed a lot of hustle, forced a fumble, and got a lot of tackles. That was a great game to start the season off.”
Was there a game that pushed you to be better, maybe a game that was a little more challenging than the others?
“The Robinson and Nashville games.”
Why those two games?
“Nashville is a rival, which is always tough. Robinson has a lot of top recruits. Both games pushed me to be better.”
How did your game improve overall last season as a corner?
“My form improved and that helped improve the way I played. I actually played more safety than corner this year, that was surprising t me. I was breaking on balls way better by the end of the season.”
What are some of the things you will work on this offseason as a defender?
“I am working on cone drills for my footwork and agility, my back pedal, my breaks, a lot of one-on-ones, and I am playing 7v7 with Arkansas Elite 100. I will go to a lot of camps this year to get my game better going against top competition.”
When do practices for Arkansas Elite 100 begin?
“We start on Dec. 29, that is our first practice. Our first game is in April.”
What has you excited about 7v7 ball?
“There will be a lot of top recruits we will play against from all over the country. Arkansas Elite 100 will put us out there to make us better and work harder.”
Did you get to play any receiver during the 2018 season?
“I did but not much. I played in two games at receiver.”
Are you expecting a bigger role as a receiver in 2019?
“Yes, sir. Way more in 2019.”
What will you work on as a receiver this spring?
“I will work on my take off, blocking, my hands, and I will work on my routes to get them 100 percent.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from Baylor, Arkansas, and Mississippi State.”
Nice. Have you received an offer yet?
“Yes, sir. I have an offer from Texas State.”
Do you play any other varsity sports for Ashdown?
“Yes, sir. I play basketball and run track.”
Which track events?
“The 100, 110 hurdles, 4×1, triple and long jump.”
Wow. Impressive. Last question. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
“The Grinch” with Jim Carrey.”
Jacolby, it was great learning more about your game today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ronda Pounds; No. 1 Jacolby Williams in action