DEREK WILLIAMS JR (Westgate, LA) S
⭐⭐⭐⭐
6'2
185
-127 Tackles
-10 TFLs
-3 FRs
-3 FFs
-2 Sacks
-1 FR TD Return
Playing safety, cornerback and running back throughout his sophomore season at Westgate, Derek Williams Jr is now classified among the top overall safeties of 2023 entering his senior campaign.
Following his uncompromising, incredible junior season, winning All-Metro Defensive MVP honors, Williams Jr is without question a premier target for Robert Steeples / Kerry Cooks' DBU rebuild / reload.
Williams Jr played plenty of running back once again in 2021 as a junior, but what sticks out most to anyone who witnesses 2023's #3 overall safety in action?
Derek's brutal, savage hits jarring the football loose over the middle, his "party time" blasts of pure renegade destruction continually force us to refill our popcorn buckets while opponents change their pants or offensive coordinators try aimlessly to fix their broken headsets.
The Westgate DB is also adept at covering slot receivers from the nickel position, reading routes, anticipating the quarterback's eyes and attacking each play with advanced timing and relentless skill......and just look at that single season stat-line: 127 tackles, 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, 6 forced turnovers, 2 sacks and a defensive touchdown; Williams Jr broke up his fair share of passes, as well, providing strong coverage with his growing abilities.
Hailing from Louisiana, Derek is a cornerstone piece of LSU's 2023 DBU puzzle, a smart bet to succeed at the next level in purple and gold.
The future is bright for this hungry young DB, with every top school chasing his signature:
Alabama, Miami, Texas, Auburn, A&M, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Michigan, Florida, Florida State, Louisville.......
With more top programs about to arrive on the scene, LSU will be caught in an arms race for Derek, as well as every top talent of 2023's DB-rich class.
However, after taking a visit to LSU's campus first after the dead period ended this past weekend, I'm hearing there is strong confidence in the establishment Steeples & Cooks have brought to the table.
by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
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