Scouting Journals for Derek Williams

Big-framed, physical safety who plays with a knock-your-head-off mentality. Measured at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds with a 32.5-inch arm and 10-inch hand prior to his senior season. Has positional versatility on the defensive side of the ball as a back seven defender. Shows off his explosiveness and overall athleticism on the basketball court (one of the area's top players) and as a running back on offense. Flies downhill and runs the alley as good as any prospect in the 2023 cycle. Lines up as a corner, center field safety, down in the box as a backer and occasionally off the edge as a pass rusher. Tends to play in the box more than in deep coverage. Was kicked out to corner when facing top wide receivers on Friday nights and held up well in coverage. Has shown encouraging signs in coverage but still remains a projection there relative to some other top safeties. Should be able to tack on considerable mass once in a college strength program with his big frame.

After being sidelined for the bulk of the regular season with a nagging PCL injury, Williams returned to action for Westgate’s regular-season finale, and finally reared back into form about a quarter into the playoff opener. One of the most physically imposing defenders in the country, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Williams worked primarily in the box to eliminate the outside running game. Williams has outstanding range when playing in center field, so moving closer to the line of scrimmage only added to his ability to punish ball carriers and get active in the backfield, too. The Texas commit was exceptional against the run and is a tempo-setter for his defense. A healthy Williams will be a sight to watch for the remainder of the postseason. The 2023 class is loaded at the safety position with several five-stars already including Williams, who reminds me a ton of Jamal Adams with his downhill playing ability. His physicality is a little different than some of the other safeties in this crop.

Louisiana's top defensive player came out firing in his fall scrimmage playing as an in-the-box safety with outstanding range and playmaking ability on that side of the ball. Williams has a nose for the ball and a unique feel for the game that puts him in rarified air, showcasing as much by making a touchdown-saving tackle from across the field as the last line of defense. He moves fluidly in coverage at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, although he's rarely targeted in the passing game. There's no reason to believe that'll change this season either. He is one of the most instinctive, physical defenders in the country regardless of position.