One to Watch Interview with 2021 California WR Jaz Williams
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
To play a sport is to risk injury, and perhaps in no sport is that ever present than football. A twist, a turn with or without contact, a fall, or a big hit can effectively erase hundreds of hours of preparation in the blink of an eye. Playing on a banged-up hand turned into a broken appendage for Class of 2021 receiver during the 2019 season. The good news, Williams has been back on the gridiron since late November working to show that he is at peak performance hitting the workouts with his Eisenhower High School squad (Rialto) while playing 7v7 with Good Eatz and receiving private position instruction from Coach Griffin at DawGZ training.
Williams steps into the RNG Lab for a one-on-one covering his offseason workouts and growth as a receiver ahead of his senior season.
Interview
Jaz, last season you missed significant time with a broken hand; that had to be tough for you. Even though you could not physically play the entire season, given the opportunity to watch and learn, what were some of the things you picked up on that will help your game going forward?
“One thing I know, I got the chance to look at everything from a coach’s point of view. I looked at some of the senior players that had a better understanding of the game and I picked up on things doing mental reps. I went home and studied the game. Even though I could not catch the ball, I still worked on my feet, releases, and routes.”
When did you get cleared to get back on the field?
“We made it to the playoffs, I was cleared the week after we lost (Nov. 22).”
What offense do you guys run at Eisenhower?
“It depends on the defense we are playing; we run a Spread but we are a run-first team.”
What are some of the routes you run within the scheme?
“From my outside spot, out and up, out routes, comebacks, post, post-curls, slants, skinny posts, speed-outs – pretty much everything really.”
What have you been working on with your game to prepare for your senior season?
“I don’t want to be one-dimensional. I have worked on all the routes, in case if I have to play slot. I know the depth to run all the routes. I have worked to expand my arsenal – no excuses – I know everything and I can step up wherever needed.”
Are you working with a private receiver coach? If so, what position specific drills are you working on with your coach?
“The main receiver coach is Coach Griffin at DawGZ Training. Some of the drills are helping with my hips, stopping on a dime at the top, my footwork, and running clean routes.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball?
“Yes. I am playing with Good Eatz”
How has the 7v7 season gone for you so far?
“It is going pretty good. We were supposed to have a tournament, but it has been postponed because of the virus. We can’t practice right now either, other than that it has been pretty good.”
After missing much of last season, how has that fire in your belly motivated you this offseason?
“I’m doing everything in my power to give it my all – physically and mentally. I am working out five days a week. I am at USC on Monday and Thursday with Coach Griffin, on Tuesday and Wednesday I am training with my 7v7 team, and on Fridays I am with my QB from Eisenhower working with him. I try to work with my QB on the field as much as possible so we can develop that chemistry for the season.”
Jaz, thanks for your time today and wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”