Williams not only prospect at Houston school

He's back.

Lionell Crawford is back at Aldine High School. Crawford starred under storied coach Bill Smith in the late 1980s, before playing for the Wisconsin Badgers. He served as an assistant at Aldine from 2000-2005, before taking over the head post at Smiley High School. Last year, Smiley turned into North Forest High School after the school merged with Forest Brook, and Crawford led them to a 6-4 record and a playoff berth.

"I'm looking to get the program back to where it was when I played here and Coach Smith was around," he said. "I have a vested interest in the success of this school on many levels and still have close ties with the community. What I don't know about the kids in this program, I'll know about their parents."

Crawford is blessed with one of the city's most talented athletes in Dontae Williams, who is a four-star running back with offers from the likes of Arkansas, SMU, Purdue, UTEP and Houston.

"I really am blind to the recruiting process," he said. "I want to do some research but right now I'm wide open. I'm just concentrating on spring football right now and looking to improve my speed."

At 6 feet 1 and 210 pounds, Williams is a big back with shifty moves in the open field. He hasn't played a full season at running back but has the durability to be an every-down runner.

"He's a powerful runner who works hard," Crawford said. "He's a tremendous leader and has so much upside. He better be ready because he's going to be toting the mail this year."

While Williams is the headliner, there are three other Division I prospects at the Houston school. Athlete Wesley Vincent is quick and versatile from the running back and slot receiver position and defensive ends Phillip Dean and Julius Green could be the area's top set of bookends.

Dean enters his third year as a starter, while Green is a tremendous talent with upside.

The 6-foot-6 Green needs work in the classroom, but is completely dominating spring practice.

"He's a find for someone," Crawford said. "He has the frame to put on 40-plus pounds and a big motor. He's so physical we have to tone him down some at practice."