"Rocket" Williams Not Just a Local Star
Every year this area has its prized crown jewel. Mike Glennon was the man last year, and in the past there's been Peter Lalich, Alex Stadler, Pat Sheil and Sean Glennon. For now, De'Antwan, or 'Rocket' as they call him, is the current hot shot.
A four-star prospect, Williams has turned into the face of Northern Virginia's 2009 recruiting class. Just recently, Rivals.com listed him as the nation's best inside running back, and for good reason. He may be only 5-foot-8, but his speed, balance and center of gravity is superior to any back we've ever seen. Williams goes through arm tackles like a hot knife through butter, and at 215 pounds, he's not afraid run right over defenders either. Prodigy
"I've said this for a while now, but he's the best running back in the state of Virginia," said Woodbridge head coach Keith King.
If there is one person who would know, it'd be coach King. After all, Williams has started for King since he was a freshman and he's taken Woodbridge to the playoffs each year. His sophomore year, he carried the Vikings to the region title game before losing to Osbourn, but it was last year where he broke through. Rushing for 2,247 yards and 27 touchdowns, he guided Woodbridge to the state title game before falling to Westfield.
"He's easy to coach. All you have to do is just give him the ball," said King. "He'll run through you, he'll run away from you, and if we want a yard, he'll get that yard. It's almost like you don't even have to block for him."
As King describes the way Williams plays, he sounds more like a 12 year-old describing his favorite football player rather than an 18 year head coach describing his starting running back.
Yet the reason for that makes sense. He started as a freshman and not only did he run for over 1,000 yards that year, but he was instrumental in guiding them to a playoff berth. The way he dominated his sophomore year in what was a loaded Northwest Region is reserved only for the special. And well, his junior year was just his coming out party for the rest of the state, and now the nation.
"He's just a real special football player," said King rather bluntly.
When going into the archives of Northern Virginia football, it may be time to dive back into the 80's to see a player this hyped. Keith Burns of TC Williams and Charlie Garner of Stuart are those that come into mind, as those in the community describe them as a virtual version of Bo Jackson on Tecmo Bowl more than anything else. (For those unfortunate enough to ever play Tecmo Bowl, just imagine Superman lining up in the backfield)
Whether Williams will have a legacy like that of Garner or Burns remains to be seen, but it's not surprising one bit to see him garner so much attention this summer during the recruiting season. Alabama head coach Nick Saban has taken a personal liking to Williams, and has told the Woodbridge running back he reminds him of Ricky Williams.
"When you got a guy, who throughout the country is known as one of the best football coaches across the country, and he's calling you, that's special," said King.
"When he gets a phone call from Nick Saban, he gets excited, because, you know, not everyone gets a phone call from Nick Saban. It's like getting a phone call from the president as far as a football player goes."
Williams is currently listed as Gameday's top ranked prospect in the Northern Virginia area, and he's been identified unanimously as one of the top 10 prospects in the state. Then of course, was Rivals' ranking of Williams being the number one inside running back in the country. With all the accolades, rankings and attention, does it get to Williams' head?
"I think he's taken it in stride," stated King. "He doesn't talk a lot about it, and you know, he just kind of goes about it. As usual, we'll sit down and talk about what he's thinking, but yeah, I think he's handled it very well. I don't think everyone could have handled it as well as he has, but he's done a great job."
While a lot of the area's top prospects have all committed surprisingly early, Williams will most likely make a decision in the fall. So the fact Williams is able to deflect a lot of the attention off himself is a good thing, because the recruiting spotlight will still be on him when Woodbridge starts their season.
Seeing as they return 17 of 22 starters, Woodbridge will not only contend for another region title, but they'll be expected to win it too. Yet by having Williams healthy, focused and determined, those expectations will be a lot easier to meet, because as King tells us, he's as good as gold.
"I know what we'll get from this guy," said King. "I know we're going to get 150 yards and a few touchdowns from him a game. So that's a nice way of going into the season I think."
If in fact Williams can put up at least 150 yards or more a game, it's very possible for him to break the state's all-time rushing record. He'll need at least 2,500 yards to do so, but knowing 'Rocket', it's a number he is capable of reaching. Whether or not that will actually happen is another question, but regardless if he goes near the record or not, we can still guarantee he'll draw the area's biggest spotlight.
For specific questions or comments regarding Northern Virginia recruiting, please e-mail me, Derek LeComte, at GamedayRecruits@aol.com
