Williams recruitment starting to take off

Smyrna (Tenn.) defensive back DJ Williams has emerged as one of the top corner prospects in the state of Tennessee this fall, leading the Bulldogs to a 4-1 start with his ability to shutdown opposing receivers and his improved play against the run.

Williams posted 11 interceptions during the course of his sophomore and junior years at Smyrna, so he's always had a nose for the football, but he has elevated his game to a point technically and athletically that has made him even more effective on the perimeter.

"The main thing I worked on this off-season was my craft and speed," Williams told VandySports.com recently. "The main thing my trainer, Coach Riley, wanted me to focus on was my craft and on my speed so I could get to the ball faster."

Williams showed off some of his skill last Friday in a tough 31-14 loss against Oakland. The corner held his own against the Patriots superstar receivers Kyle Oliver and Jacoby Stevens, often keeping contain on the duo and later making a picture perfect interception against Stevens during the third quarter. The interception was the fifth of the season for the senior. He also added a few tackles and a big run on offense that was negated by a penalty.

The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect is starting to get the attention of programs everywhere and picked up his second FBS offer a few weeks ago when the Toledo Rockets came calling.

"Toledo offering me was a huge step in my recruitment and was a blessing," said Williams. "I love the Toledo staff, and they have a good football program. I will be visiting up there soon."

Williams already held a Army offer as well as a scholarship from Austin Peay, but other programs have also brought increased attention recently including several programs familiar with middle Tennessee.

"Schools like Western Kentucky, MTSU, Memphis and others have been on the DM (direct message) hard too."

Williams and his younger brother, 2017 Smyrna linebacker Deylon Williams, visited Memphis over the weekend and were invited to attend the Vanderbilt-South Carolina game as the Commodores have also remained interested in the aggressive defensive back.

Williams says he plans to be diligent about his recruiting process and won't make a decision until his high school football career is complete.

"I won't be making my decision until after football season," said Williams. "That gives me a chance to focus on getting a ring this year and not the extra stuff. It also gives me more time to visit schools and see what I like. I just want to be patient and make the right decision."

Despite the loss to Oakland on Friday, the Bulldogs still look to be in good shape to return to the playoffs. In addition to Williams strong play, Smyrna has also received a big boost with the development of several juniors and sophomores including Ikenna Okeke, Austin Brown, John Turner, Josh Baker and the younger Deylon Williams. The Bulldogs have not only shown the ability to shutdown opponents on defense, but have proved to be more explosive offensively thanks to an improved passing attack and stable running game.

"Yeah, we are on a good start right now and I feel like this year, our practices have been more competitive and focused. Everybody on the team is in it for one thing and that's the ring. We have no selfish players, we're all in it together, and we ride for each other."

Williams has logged 10 tackles with five interceptions and four pass breakups so far this season. He returned one of his picks for a touchdown against Lavergne. Williams has also returned four kicks for 151 yards with a touchdown on special teams, and has posted a receiving touchdown through the first five games.

Williams impressed during the Rivals Camp Series in Birmingham this past March, displaying both his physicality and athleticism during the one-on-one drills on the day.