Season recap: Mike Williams
Having several talented players at his disposal is something Deno Campbell has grown accustomed to during his 25 years at DeMatha, including the last 15 as the Stags' defensive coordinator.
The 2009 season was no different in that regard, with Michael Coley (Cal), Kyrrel Latimer (Virginia) and Lorenzo Waters (Rutgers) patrolling the secondary. When those three graduated, much of the focus in DeMatha’s defensive backfield for the 2010 season turned to senior cornerback Mike Williams.
“This whole team faced adversity the entire year,” Campbell said. “We just graduated quite a few people and we had to develop some new leadership. He needed to be part of that leadership as a senior. And he stepped up to the plate.”
How did Campbell realize that Williams, who committed to Maryland last month, was up to the challenge?
“Basically, he looked me in the eye during one game, and said, ‘Coach, I got you. I can handle my responsibilities,’ et cetera, et cetera. And he stepped up and played well. He did that,” Campbell said.
Campbell said Williams -- the younger brother of former Terps defensive back and current Minnesota Vikings safety Madieu Williams -- possesses “outstanding speed and quickness" and “incredible feet.” Williams demonstrated those qualities to Campbell throughout his senior season. DeMatha is a “zone-principle team” that doesn’t play a ton of man coverage, and Campbell said Williams was very comfortable playing in that system.
“Depending on the coverage, he was in what we called a bump-type alignment,” Campbell said. “But a lot of it is really zone-principle stuff, depending on the coverage. Basically the same formations and getting to the quarterback, understanding the routes receivers are running and breaking on the football. ... I don’t envision him having any issues with man coverage. He’s going to have to get stronger and play more physical in man coverage."
The Stags had a disappointing end to their season, suffering a 42-3 loss to Good Counsel in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship game. Campbell said the defeat was “tough for everybody.” It certainly wasn’t how Williams envisioned the end to his high school career, but Campbell said he saw enough out of the speedy future Terp to realize he has a bright future in College Park.
“Mike’s a little slight player, but he’ll put on a little weight and I’m sure he’s going to do that maturing with age,” Campbell said. “He has to work on his ball skills. … Probably No. 1 is getting in the weight room, getting stronger, just like any kid coming out of high school. The game is obviously going to be faster next year. It’s going to be a lot more intricate in terms of the coverages and where he’s got to be. But it should be a normal transition to college.”
Comments
Matt, Thanks again for the great coverage. Rivals has Mike Williams listed as a "soft" commit to MD. Do you know what the story is regarding his commitment? Thanks.
Posted by: CA Terp Fan | January 12, 2011 4:42 PM
CA Terp Fan -- Good question. I didn't get the sense from Coach Campbell that Williams' commitment was in question. Same with Coach McGregor when I spoke to him a couple weeks ago. I was under the impression that Maryland was always his No. 1. It might just be a case of wanting to meet the new coach and all that.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | January 12, 2011 5:39 PM
He sounds like a good player. I'm really happy with the program's recruiting, I believe Edsall and his new staff will step it up even more.
Posted by: Mike F | January 13, 2011 12:05 PM
Matt
Any chance for an overall recruiting summary?? Have we lost any verbals due to coaching change?? How many in total can we sign?? Can Edsall reject any of the verbals etc. Bottom line, where do we stand overall??
Posted by: Don I | January 13, 2011 5:10 PM
Don I -- It looks like most of this class will stick. Several were planning to take some visits, including Ryan Malleck and Jeremiah Hendy (who opened his recruitment up). Dontez Tyler's status is a little uncertain. His coach told me he hadn't heard from Maryland in awhile. I hope to hear something definitive on him over the weekend. Rodman Noel needed a better test score to officially join the class, so I think that's pending as well. Those are the main ones to watch. I'm not positive on the number of scholarships they can give. Kevin Anderson said a scholarship given by Friedgen would be honored, but I would imagine that it's ultimately up to Edsall.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | January 13, 2011 10:19 PM
Matt
Much thanks, as always you are
our eyes & ears in Terp land.
Posted by: Don I | January 17, 2011 12:00 PM