Showing up late ends up working in favor of Williams, Texas A&M
By Justin Harper
jharper@oklahoman.com
When KJ Williams arrived late at football camp last summer, he temporarily lost his identity. Who knew that would help him find a scholarship?
Williams signed with Texas A&M Wednesday morning, becoming the first football player from Norman North to earn a Division-IA full ride. The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder will play tight end for the Aggies.
The way A&M coaches were introduced to Williams is a recruiting tale that no doubt will make the rounds in College Station when the 19-year-old arrives on campus. Williams was a late arrival to a Nike camp in Fort Worth last summer, causing a mix-up at registration. He was given a jersey with a number that was not assigned to a player. So, when this big, unknown kid started putting up big-time numbers in combine drills and making big plays in live action, coaches wanted to know who the mystery stud was. His performance drew coaches attention and his anonymity only raised their curiosity.
“Since my name and number didn’t match, (coaches) were coming up and talking to me,” Williams said. “And before I even got out of the parking lot I had an offer.”
Williams verbally committed to A&M right away. However, when Dennis Franchione resigned as Texas A&M coach in November, Williams briefly thought about looking into other options. And he had plenty as all but three Big 12 schools offered a scholarship.
“Once everything happened with Coach Fran, I started to wonder about some things,” said Williams. “I opened up my options.”
After a visit to College Station on Jan. 11 and a one-on-one meeting with new A&M coach Mike Sherman, Williams knew he would stick with his first choice.
“With Coach Sherman being from the NFL, I wanted to play for someone like that, who has that kind of experience,” Williams said. “And with all new coaches, everyone is starting from scratch. Even the (returning players) will all be in the same position as me in trying to make an impression and win a position.”
Williams, who grew up in Louisiana before moving to Norman prior to his sophomore season, played quarterback when he was younger. He earned All-State honors as a defensive end for Norman North and helped the Timberwolves to the most successful season (9-3) in school history. Williams had 47 tackles, seven sacks and three fumble recoveries this past season. On offense he made four catches, two going for touchdowns.
“I wanted to play tight end (at A&M) and the situation they’re in (at that position) is a good for me,” Williams said. “I made my name on defense, but I can’t wait to let everyone see what I can do on offense.”
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This is a great story to get recruited by– almost being lost at a football camp. I think being seen by college coaches is the best way that a player can get recruited these days.