Death, taxes and Kell is loaded once again at the defensive back position heading into 2024. Some things just stay the same.
The Longhorns have standout safety Tyriq Green who is also a dynamic running back on offense, but a name to know is Jalen Williams.
A thing to note about the Kell program, especially in recent memory is they have become known for producing heavily touted and elite defensive backs. Marquavious Saboor (Cincinnati) was a three-star prospect in high school, Kemari Nix (Arkansas State) was selected first-team all-state for the Georgia Athletic Association, and Cedric Franklin (Georgia Tech) is already making headway playing for the Yellow Jackets. Franklin was one of the standouts in the White and Gold spring game at Tech in April.
Williams looks forward to continuing the tradition.
“It’s been good. It’s a high standard at that position and they are relying on me to keep up that standard. We have a bunch of talented defensive backs in that group and I feel like we are going to really pop off this year. Zayd Rogan, Tyriq Green, Andrew Turner. He’s underrated and is going to go crazy this year.
Williams transferred from Dutchtown in the offseason after being named first-team all-region by Georgia High School Football Daily as a sophomore this past year. He finished with 31 tackles, seven pass breakups, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), a blocked punt, and a fumble recovery. He has his eyes set on even bigger goals in 2024.
“It’s been a smooth transition. As soon as I got here, they’ve been treating me like family. Me and all the coaches are really close. I love the team and the environment. We are going to get busy this year.
That strong sophomore season has led to an uptick in his recruiting with Williams garnering interest from several notable programs including Tennessee, Duke, UCF, Memphis, Georgia Southern, Pittsburgh and more.
“It’s been really exciting. It’s kind of relieving knowing that the work I put in last season paid off, but it also makes me hungry because I want more. I am not done yet and have to keep going.
Here are the programs that have caught his eye early on.
Georgia Southern: “I like Georgia Southern because of the conversation I had. I feel like it’s an underrated program. They were recruiting me hard and I feel like I have to go see up there and see what it is about.
USF: “I feel like it’s a pretty program and school. I like the school. It’s down south in Florida and that is where I am from. I feel like it’s in a home environment. I am from Broward.”
Tennessee: “It is my first SEC offer. It’s exciting. I have to go up there and see what it is. I know I am supposed to be visiting soon. I like that one right now.”
He will be in Athens today for a camp visit and looks forward to putting on a show and leaving his mark. Williams possesses a long and lengthy frame and plays the ball in the air almost like a receiver. He played both ways coming up and it certainly has helped him to where he is today. A thing that stands out about him is his commitment to the run and coming down and making a big hit.
“I feel like what makes me stand out is my technique and my IQ of the game. I’ve been doing it and working it for so long that I feel like my technique is ahead of where I am at. I’ve been playing this game since I was six years old. I know the game. Even me playing receiver has helped me understand route concepts and formations,” said Williams.
There are several corners he likes to watch and study including Sauce Garner and Jalen Ramsey.
“Sauce Gardner and Jalen Ramsey guys like those. Long and physical guys. Technicians. People had high expectations and were waiting on his downfall and hoping he wasn’t going to be as good in college, but he’s maintained that level. He’s locking up one side of the field every game and I feel like that is why he has been so good. I like Ramsey because of his swag and how he approaches the game. He’s a swaggy, confident corner. He’s going to get in your face and make a play. That is the type of guy I feel like I am on the field. I am going to talk my talk but I am also going to back it up too.
Williams will certainly be one to watch for the Kell program especially after the Longhorns captured their first region championship since 2014. The program will likely be one playing football into November in the upcoming season.
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