Get to know 2023 Texas commit Derek Williams
Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you.
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The first national signing period for college football runs from December 21-23. That puts it a week later than normal, which allows you even more time to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with helping restore Texas back to national prominence.
The preceding 2022 class is already off to a good start, but the way to win at a consistently high level is to stack talented class after talented class. At all times you need young players developing, creating competition, and providing valuable depth before becoming quality starters.
The top 5 contending 2023 class is just what Texas needed after the top 5 2022 class.
In the lead-up to NSD1, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2023 signing class.
Next up, Derek Williams
The Player: Derek Williams, S, New Iberia (La.) Westgate. 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
The Rating: 96.25, On3 Consensus four-star
The Ranking:
The Recruitment: Texas edged Miami, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Clemson, and Michigan.
The Projection: “Physical safety who plays with a knock-your-head-off mentality. Has tremendous position versatility on the defensive side of the ball as a back seven defender. Shows off his explosiveness and overall athleticism on the basketball court 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. High upside player that will need to continue to physically develop into his frame due to being one of the younger defensive backs in his class.” – On3 scouting summary
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The Reasoning: “Texas has been recruiting me hard since last year. The coaching staff has been on me and they think this 2023 class can have a great season. With Arch committed, they made it easy for me to make my decision.” – Williams to On3’s Sam Spiegelman in August
The Relationship: “I’ve been building bonds with people on the team and getting to know the guys on the team and on the coaching staff. Coach (Brandon) Harris is my boy and they all show love. They still talk to me like they’re recruiting me to commit.” – Williams to On3’s Sam Spiegelman in August.
Williams also mentioned Terry Joseph and Steve Sarkisian as key relationships.
The Education: He intends to study mechanical engineering.
The Enrollment: Williams will enroll in June.
The Final Word: Texas went into Louisiana and plucked two of the top prospects in the state in Arch Manning and Derek Williams. It’s a tough task taking serious talent from LSU, but Terry Joseph is familiar with his roots and pulled the On3 Consensus’ No. 3 safety out of the bayou. Williams comes at a premium position needed in the 2023 class and in the UT program.
Series:
Connor Stroh, OL, Frisco (Texas) Wakeland
Johntay Cook, WR, Desoto (Texas)
Will Randle, TE, New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman
Trevor Goosby, OL, Melissa (Texas)
Derion Gullette, EDGE/LB, Teague (Texas)
Spencer Shannon, TE, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
Andre Cojoe, OL, Mansfield (Texas) Timberview
Billy Walton, EDGE, Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff
Cedric Baxter, RB, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater
Jaydon Chatman, OL, Killeen (Texas) Harker Heights
Malik Muhammad, CB, Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff
Sydir Mitchell, DL, Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic
Payton Kirkland, OL, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips
Ryan Niblett, WR, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower
Tre Wisner, RB, DeSoto (Texas)
Colton Vasek, EDGE, Austin (Texas) Westlake
Liona Lefau, LB, Kahuku (Hawaii)
