Click for Darien Williams Highlights
Focus is fully on the 2016 recruiting class, with offers coming by the day. An athlete who appears to heading towards an offer is Darien Williams of Lincoln (Tacoma, Wash.) High School.
Williams will remind many of his former teammate Dehonta Hayes (’15), who signed with Eastern Washington this past February. The 6-foot-1, 190 pounder has the size and athleticism to play any of the defensive back spots, and could even project to a linebacker spot should he continue to grow.
The comparisons to Hayes isn’t just on the field, as both take the classroom and weight room very seriously.
“I make sure I get it done in the weight room and the classroom,” Williams told NEI. “That is where it all starts. I currently maintain a 3.35 GPA and have passed all of my state tests.”
This offseason has been huge for Williams, who started by playing for the Barton Football Academy’s BFA Four team that made their way to the Elite Eight of the 101 team Pylon Las Vegas National 7-on-7 tournament.
Williams played multiple positions for a stingy defense, and helped lead the Sunday turnaround with key interceptions during the elimination round.
He has visited in-state schools Washington and Eastern Washington, and was recently part of the prestigious Tom Lemming Photo Shoot. Williams is also hearing from Washington State, Wyoming, Utah State, Portland State, Idaho, Navy, Colorado State, and Ivy League members Harvard, Yale and Columbia.
The Abes are going through a coaching change, as former head coach Jon Kitna left for Texas, but they appear to be in great hands with the hiring of Masaki Matsumoto.
“My new coach is great we couldn’t ask for a better man or coach for the job,” Williams said. “Coach Matsumoto brought over a thing called “black crew” from his previous high school. It is a 5:45Am workout every morning and is beneficial for our success.”
Williams has set high goals of eight INT’s and 50 tackles for next season, but admits the ultimate goal is a state championship for he and his teammate.
Lincoln returns a plethora of talent, even after graduating multiple D1 players from last season, and appear to once again be the favorite in the Narrows 3A.
We will keep you updated on Williams and the Abes, as this team looks like they may have an exciting signing day in early February.
Totally awesome
Way to go, Darien! #abenation
Taking after his father, that awesome lil D'