Sleeper Alabama athlete lands first offer

Though he may not be big, Ashland (Ala.) Clay County athlete J.D. Williams sure plays big. His size may also be a reason for his limited offer list midway through his senior season. However, with his first offer finally arriving, things could soon pick up for Williams on the recruiting trail.

"Louisiana Tech offered me Friday," Williams said. "They sent it to me in the mail. I've been talking to Louisiana Tech since the summer and Coach Spangler came out and saw me in the spring before we got out of school. It's pretty exciting. They want to use me as a slot back and on special teams."

A return man and slot receiver would certainly be a natural role for Williams on the next level. In high school however, Williams is used as much more. Rarely does Williams leave the field and while on the field, the versatile athlete can be found anywhere.

"I play receiver, quarterback, running back, cornerback on defense and I return kicks on special teams," he said. "I mostly like playing receiver but I don't get to play it as much but when I do play it the ball is usually coming to me. I like receiver and cornerback and I love special teams."

Five games into his senior season, Williams has helped his team jump out to a 5-0 start. Individually, Williams rushed for 197 yards and three touchdowns in the first game of the year. He followed that up with 90 yards early in the second game before getting knocked out of the game with a concussion. After one missed game due to injury, Williams came back to rush for over 100 yards in the fourth game of the year and over 90 in his most recent game while making a major impact on defense.

His play this year has sparked interest from more than just Louisiana Tech. He has heard from some other programs such as Arkansas State but recent communication with Auburn has really caught his attention.

"On Friday I talked to Coach Thigpen at Auburn and they want to see my senior film," he said. "Hopefully I'll get an offer from them because that's my dream school but if I don't then oh well."

Williams hopes to get his film in the hands of the Auburn coaching staff when he visits the campus for the Tigers' next home game against Kentucky. Between recruiting though, Williams has plenty to focus on in high school. He has high goals for himself and his team.

"I'm going to lead us to a state championship," he said. "I won one my eight grade year and ever since then we've come up short. I think this could be the year. Our defense is really good."