Winner, the one word many would use to describe the high school career of Bearcats commit Dontye-Carriere Williams. His first three years he contributed to three straight state titles in Class 4A in Florida for national powerhouse Booker T. Washington. In his sophomore season, Booker T. Washington was even crowned national champions by USA Today, led by Williams and a host of other notable Division One recruits including starting Florida quarterback Treon Harris.
Williams, now at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL.), has his team winning yet again as the Raiders are 6-1 while ranked 23rd in the nation by MaxPreps. What has not changed however, is the aggressiveness and physicality that Williams plays with at the cornerback position.
Deeper Look Into the Game of Williams:
Strengths: The first thing that pops out in the film of his senior season (above) is the physicality that he plays with on every down. He loves to play press coverage, which allows himself to get his quick and powerful hands into the chest of a receiver, making the first five yards nightmarish for any receiver. Despite his size, it is also obvious that he loves contact, constantly blowing up screens often with a booming hit. His ability to shed blockers on the perimeter and find the ball are exceptional and has the ability to translate to the next level the quickest of any of his strengths. Also, he has quick hips allowing for great coverage downfield and his furthers his ability to turn and read the ball while still in the air.
Weaknesses: What I perceive to be his biggest weakness is something he simply can't control: his height. Coming in at 5'10 would put him as the smallest corner on the Bearcat roster; which could prove to be problematic against tall, lanky wide receivers. His speed doesn't jump out when watching the film, while he is quick, many of his highlight plays come from great technique or anticipation rather than breakaway speed. His weight, while sure to fixed when in a college lifting program, is a little concerning at 175 lbs.
Projection: Williams can make an immediate impact on this Bearcats team on special teams with his spdesireshedshedshedshed blocks and make tackles. His best fit within the defense is probably in the nickel or dime packages, which would allow for him to play closer to the line of scrimmage against smaller slot receivers. This would also highlight his physicality as he would be able to play through blockers to make tackles on perimeter runs and against bubble screens.
Outlook: Bearcat fans should hold their breath that Williams is able to last until signing day as he continues to receive interest from major programs such a Miami (FL.), Florida, and Florida State. He was quoted earlier as saying those were among his top choices, however he still remains without an offer from each. If one were to give him a scholarship right before signing day things could get interesting as the allure of staying at home and playing for one of his favorite schools growing up could play a factor.