Debo Williams ready for the next step
Going into his third year with the Gamecocks, Debo Williams is fully aware of how far he has come in just a few years.
Despite being a four-year starter and three-time all-state selection who helped his team to a pair of state championships and racked up over 500 career tackles in high school, he went underrecruited.
Williams hit the camp circuit and took plenty of visits to programs in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Bigger programs didn’t bite. Even Temple did not see fit to offer him a scholarship.
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He signed with Delaware in advance of the 2020 season, with the school’s conference deciding to move what would have been Williams’ freshman season to the following spring.
Ready to prove himself sooner than later, Willams jumped in the portal, where he was nabbed by the Gamecocks. He made a quick impact, blocking two punts in his first college football game in the season opener.
Coming into this season, he’s now played in all 26 career games. He started a pair at linebacker in 2022. He seems to have the inside track to be a full-time starter in 2023.
“I’m getting my coaches and my teammates to trust me,” Williams said during a Tuesday appearance on the Garnet Trust Hour on 107.5 The Game. “Knowing that I’m going to know everything and if they need me, I can help them.”
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As a sophomore, Williams tallied 43 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and forced a fumble. The physical ability has always been there, and he has long been known as a big hitter.
The next step in the junior’s mind is mastering the mental side of the game.
“My goal this season is to be the smartest player on the field,” he said. “Like, I should see plays coming before it even happens because I studied that much and I watch film that much It’s not all about just the physical aspects. Yes, I want to be physically imposing, but I can save energy and time for us already know where a play is coming.”
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The Gamecocks appear to have more athleticism and depth heading into this year than in the past. Williams’ continued development is one reason for that.
Another is his running mate, Stone Blanton, who’s looking to make a similar jump going into his sophomore year.
“We’re together, man, and we’re making each other better. When we’re on the field at the same time, watch out. He’s very smart himself.”
