New Season and New Team Brings High Expectations for 2018 QB Steve Williams

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

All athletes in every sport just want an opportunity. When the opportunity presents itself, some rise to the occasion while others may stumble but use that moment in time as an opportunity to learn and improve. Towards the end of the 2015 Florida high school football season, Miramar area quarterback Steve Williams rose to the challenge and stumbled, in the best way possible, leading to a junior season filled with high expectations.

No athlete, no matter how talented, can walk off the streets and into a huddle prepared to play quarterback. All positions take time and millions of reps to perfect and refine technique and talent but the quarterback position, more than others, takes even more time to hone the skill set needed to be great. Over the final four games of Everglades High School’s season, Williams (5-11.5, 175) got the in-game reps and snaps as a starter laying the groundwork for a junior season that promises to be one to watch.

The Gators posted a 3-8 record in 2015 taking their lumps along the way in Florida’s Class 8A. Williams’ stats are incomplete (MaxPreps) but he did prove to be that rare modern day gunslinger that can thrive under center and in the shotgun being a true dual-threat quarterback.

Williams can throw on the run with zip, gets back on his drops quickly, keeps his head up looking for the open receiver, and is quick on quick. The one thing that really stands out is his ability to make plays within the system or once a play has broken down. There is a lot of magic around this one once the ball has been snapped. Williams’ ability to keep his poise play after play when things break down is beyond his years.

In the offseason, Williams transferred from Everglades to Miramar High School. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Williams for a one-on-one covering his sophomore season, transfer to the Patriots, and his offseason schedule.

Interview

Steve, your reel and stats on MaxPreps are not adding up. Fill me in on how your 2015 season went for you.

“I started the final four games of the season. The person in control of our stats did not keep them properly. I’m not sure what my actual stat line is from last year.”

You transferred from Everglades to Miramar, how has the change of schools gone for you so far?

“Everything has been great. The coaches are great and have been very welcoming of me. They have a good system for me and my skill set. They have a lot of skill around me to help me flourish as a player. I like the school over all on and off the field. I think it will go well for me. Last year, I kind of had a rough year. I’m trying to get my grades back up. I have a 3.0 GPA right now.”

You mentioned the new system, what type of system are you running at Miramar?

“We are running a spread type of offense. We attack the gaps in the defense. A lot of it is spread but I do go under center sometimes. I’d call the offense a multi-faceted offense.”

What are your strengths on the field as a quarterback at this stage of your high school career?

“I think I create opportunities, even when it was not there I created opportunities with my feet. I would scramble out, get players towards me, and pass the ball over the top.”

What are some of the things you do well from a technical standpoint?

“I think I read defenses well. The coaches at Everglades taught me how to read defenses well. I can read Cover 2, 3, and 1 defenses. My drop steps – I get back quick and set up looking for the open man. As far as my mechanics, not being 6-foot 4, I have an over the top release to get the ball over the linemen.”

What are you working on in the offseason to improve upon for next year?

“Some of the things I’m working on are still reading defenses. I’m working on my game overall. One thing is throwing on the run, I was inconsistent with that last season. I think being able to throw on the run will be an asset this season. I’m working on adjusting to different defenses to make plays and make sure the offense runs smoothly. I can audible out of plays so I need to make sure I’m looking for the best play possible.”

Have you set your goals for the 2016 football season?

“I set a couple goals. I want to throw for at least 2,000, rush for 500, and throw for at least 15 touchdowns. I want to make first team All-Broward.”

Do you know which college camps you might attend this summer?

“I’m planning on going to some of the satellite camps like Michigan and Ohio State. With the others, I’m not sure which ones exactly yet, but I’ll do some. Our school is doing a padded camp at FAU (Florida Atlantic) or FIU (Florida International). I’m not sure which one yet. With camps, it all depends on time.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, I have been to FAU and FIU.”

How did your visit to FAU go for you?

“It went good. The coaches greeted me really well. I liked their practice and their system. I really liked their system.”

How about your visit to FIU, how did that go?

“It was pretty much the same. I liked what I saw at FIU. I like their system, the coaches, and the campus a lot. Their practice was very efficient. I went there on the first day of spring. I was impressed how everything ran for first day of spring practice.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits you want to take this summer?

“Yes, but I’m not sure which ones yet.”

Is there a NFL player you model your game after?

“Well, in the NFL the first player I look at is Russell Wilson. Being a short QB in the NFL and being black, I like the way he handles himself on and off the field. On the field he is quick and elusive. I stole that spin move out from him. I use that a lot.”

Have you participated in any other sports for Miramar or Everglades?

“I ran track to keep my speed up.”

Which events?

“The 100 and 200.”

Of the two events which one is your best?

“I’m more of a sprinter, so I’d say the 100. I competed in one meet. I practiced to keep my speed up.”

Do you remember what your time was in the 100 at the one meet you participated in?

“I think it was an 11.5 or 11.6.”

That’s impressive coming off the football field and onto the track running an 11.5 in your first try. Especially as a sophomore.

“Thank you.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Growing up it was math, but as time went on I shied away from that. It got a little bit harder. I like history. What has happened in the past is interesting to me.”

Last question, what is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part about playing football is being on the field working with your brothers. I like having a family outside your family. Football makes connections with people you’d never thought you’d have. You get close with people you’d never thought you would be close to on and off the field.”

Steve, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Williams family; Steve Williams at FAU.

Photo credit: Sleeper Athletes; No. 15 Steve Williams drops back to pass.