Arizona RB climbing the charts
The Grand Canyon State of Arizona is home to a fast rising running back in Michael Williams (5-10, 200, 4.46) from Phoenix (Ariz.) Paradise Valley. He had an outstanding showing at the Nike Camp held on Los Angeles on April 15th. Williams had the fifth best 40-time of 4.46.
Williams is just as impressive on the gridiron where he rushed for 1,325 yards and 15 touchdowns behind an undersized offensive line in 2005.
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Versatility is always an attractive commodity for D-I schools and Williams has that quality.
As a junior, Williams earned first-team all-conference as a running back, second-team all-conference as a special team's player and all-area as an athlete.
Williams will play on both sides of the ball. He will add defensive end to his running back duties this fall.
Colorado State came by the school and they could offer Williams any day. Arizona and Colorado are also showing Williams a lot interest. The Cal Bears are scheduled to come on campus this coming Thursday (May 4th). Nevada and Oregon State are also giving Williams recruiting mail.
Williams is a hard worker on and off the field. He currently benches 295, squats 450, power cleans 265 and recorded a 32.6 vertical jump.
In the classroom, Williams carries 3.0 GPA and will be taking his SAT this month.
Some say that Williams has the potential to be the best running back in Paradise Valley history. That is saying something since Paradise Valley is the same school that has produced former Arizona Wildcat star Paul Shields, who also had a stint in the NFL and Oklahoma Sooner fullback Matt Clapp.
"Michael is an awesome kid," Paradise Valley coach Donnie Yantis said. "He's a pleasure to coach."
"As a running back Michael is extremely explosive," Yantis said. "He has great balance, great vision and is a great blocker."
"Michael is not just a good running back," Yantis said. "He's the complete back. He can do everything. He's the real deal."
What is Williams looking for in a school?
"I'm looking for a school that can give me the best education," Williams said. "I would also like to attend a school where there could be an opportunity to play as a true freshman. Education is first though."
"Location doesn't matter and either does the weather," Williams said. "Education is the first priority."