Versatile 2020 California OL Justin Williams Talks Nike Regional Top 5 Finish and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As long as college football has been around, offensive line coaches have preached about wanting versatility in their guys up front. When the 2018 season kicked off for Tesoro High School, head coach Matt Poston had the ideal lineman on his roster in Justin Williams. The 6-4, 265-pound, trench hog lined up at left and right tackle as well as at left and right guard helping his Titans squad take on a brutal Division II California schedule. His versatility and team-first mentality earned him Titans’ Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and a host of collegiate interest ranging from Ivy League, Mountain West Conference, Pac-12 and Big 12 programs.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising offensive line talents in the 2020 class covering his play on the field, growing recruiting opportunities, and camp schedule.
Interview
Justin, you are such a versatile lineman for the Titans playing all over the line. Where all did you line up on the field in 2018?
“I played every position except center last season. I had five snaps, at least, at each position.”
You guys played a tough schedule last season, of all the tough games which game was your best?
“I did well against San Clemente. I did my job. I feel confident in that one.”
Which game was a challenge for you going up against a top tackle, end, or linebacker?
“The toughest competition would probably have been Mission Viejo’s Hunter Keneley. That was a showdown him this year. We went back and forth all game. The other would be Sean Rhyan (4-star UCLA) from San Juan Hills. He was tough to block.”
How did that challenge make you better?
“I was able to adapt to the situation over the course of the game. At first, I was not sure what to expect. I had heard a lot about him (Rhyan), and knew he had a lot of offers. I came in and did my thing; I did not care about their size or where they were going to college.”
The Titans ran a spread offense last season. You have quick feet and do a good job of mirroring the defender on passing downs, how did your game improve with pass-pro?
“A lot of my improvements are a thanks to Jesse Sapolu (San Francisco 49ers). I have learned a lot at the Men in the Trenches camps. And from my teammate Alec Banks (Harvard), he was a mentor for me. My kick step is a lot better. I am preparing as a tackle for this year. I have gotten better with my feet in general.”
I like the way that you pull staying tight on the line without going wide, what are some of the other areas of your run blocking that are strengths?
“Other areas that are strengths, I have been doing this since sixth grade. I feel I am playing the snap count to my advantage, firing off and getting to the backer after a good punch.”
I have you hitting at least three people on one play, what is the most you have clocked?
(Pauses) “The most I clocked on one play… maybe five. I can’t remember off the top of my head.”
Did you track pancakes and/or knockdowns last season?
“No.”
If you had to guess, about how many were you averaging per game?
“I was probably averaging 1.5 pancakes and two knockdowns per game.”
You’ve mentioned a couple of things, but which other areas of your game are you focused on this offseason?
“I am fine-tuning overall and working hard in the weight room. I am getting stronger and putting more weight on. I want to be at 275 to 280 before the season. I am trying to perfect my craft at left tackle this offseason. I know this season that will be my main position. Will not shift around as much. “
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“I have on bench and squat. My bench is 285 and my squat is 425.”
Which national camps have you been to this offseason?
“I went to the Nike Regional and the Adidas Open Combine. I have also competed at the Under Armour Regional and Pro Football Hall of Fame camps. After the Pro Football Hall of Fame Camp, they invited me to their big Ohio camp.”
Nice. With the Nike camp, how did that go?
“It went well. I was selected for the Final 5; that is where the top linemen selected compete with reps. I was extremely excited. I am hoping to be selected for the finals. That would be fun.”
What did you do well in the one-on-ones to be selected for the Top 5?
“I was able to block the most dominate end there, Korey Foreman (Centennial). I was able to hang with him, I believe that is why I was selected.”
He is a beast. Do you have any upcoming camps you may attend?
“I am heading to the Polynesian Combine this weekend in Vegas.”
Have you started looking at potential college camps?
“Yes. I am looking at attending camps with Redlands, Azusa Pacific, and I will take trips out to the Ivy Leagues and Texas for camps.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Air Force and West Point. I am receiving Ivy League interest from Yale, Penn, and Princeton – I am heading to their camps. I am getting attention from Big Sky and Mountain West Conference schools, a lot of California schools like Poly, Fresno State and UC-Davis. I am also getting attention from UNLV, and some Texas schools like Rice, Baylor, and TCU. Oregon and Oregon State, and Colorado State are showing interest and from UCLA. I just attend a spring practice two weeks ago at UCLA. That was fun meeting Coach (Justin) Frye (OC/OL).”
You mentioned the UCLA visits, have you taken any other unofficial visits lately?
“I went on a Junior Prospect Day visit at San Diego State for game against Arizona State with some of my teammates. I talked to the coaches before the game. I also went to a Cal-Poly game, my brother is on the team up there. He is a redshirt freshman. I love that campus environment at Cal-Poly.”
Do you have any planned visits ahead?
“I plan on visiting some Texas schools and during my east coast trip to the Ivy League this summer visiting some schools then at the camps.”
Justin, it was great covering your game on and off the field today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Justin Williams vs. Mission Viejo and at Nike Opening Regional