Terian Williams
Talented 2022 Athlete Heading To Notre Dame This Weekend
It’s rare that a mere sophomore in high school receives the attention of several prominent Power 5 programs. Well, a young man from the Atlanta area was garnering attention as a freshman, and the interest continues to pick up.
Normal does not define Terian Williams II, a 5-11, 170-pound athlete from Lilburn, Georgia (Parkview). He’s rare on the field, and just as importantly, off the field. He’s just beginning to learn about possible college destinations.
Williams already participated in several camps, including Notre Dame, Northwestern, Duke, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Kentucky, Louisville and Tennessee. Those are the fortunate programs to see Williams up close and personal. Still, Williams continues to ‘grind’, in an effort to earn more attention and offers.
But the talented member of the 2022 class has already racked up some big-time offers.
“Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee offered," Williams said. "Notre Dame (Todd Lyght) wants to see more game film of my sophomore year as does Northwestern (Matt Macpherson).”
Even with all the early recruiting attention and offers, Williams still needs to wait to truly start to bond with college coaches.
“Since I am in the Class of 2022 I can’t really communicate with the coaches so it is hard to keep in touch,” Williams admitted.
Williams wants to play cornerback, but the two-way standout is willing to keep an open mind.
“I’m keeping my options open so nothing is permanent right now,” Williams proclaimed. “I am a great athlete and will be used all over. ... Most (schools) are recruiting me as an athlete. Quarterback, defensive back, punt return, kick return.”
Williams plays in famed Gwinnett County, known for producing elite players every year. All the SEC schools, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, and even programs out west like will recruit the area Williams calls home. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why he’s advanced at such a young age.
“It’s great just to play around all the talent,” Williams stated. “Especially in Gwinnett.”
His highlight reel is absolutely fantastic. He makes players miss in extremely tight quarters. He has the “it” factor when the ball is in his hands, and he’s also a very good return man. Some schools will recruit him to play cornerback, but he brings legit return game skills to the game. Making really good players from Atlanta look bad when many of them are two years his elder is impressive.
With all the recruiting attention, Williams will continue to make visits. Next up, another trip to South Bend to watch the Irish play rival USC. Williams also plans to trek to Florida State, North Carolina State and Kentucky for games. He's a busy young man.
Although Notre Dame has yet to offer Williams, the Irish do hold one early advantage, and it is one that his parents push ardently.
“I am big on academics,” said Williams, who wants to major in Engineering in college. “Stanford, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Duke as some of the schools on my list. 40-year decision.”
Those schools sound like any set of parents’ dream list. That just may be true for just about anyone, and especially so for the parents of Williams.
“I have no choice. My mom is an educator and my dad is a police officer,” Williams explained. “Education and discipline are number one in our house.”
Overall, Williams is not your ordinary sophomore in high school. Elite student (GPA over 3.8) and one that’s already qualified (1200 SAT) through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Further, the kid breaks ankles on Friday nights versus some of the best high school football talent in the land. The only question is which position(s) will he play once he reaches the college of his choice? Time will tell.
Notre Dame cornerback coach Todd Lyght is recruiting Williams to play cornerback, but he’s so versatile the Irish could simply offer him as an athlete and figure out the specifics later.