One On One Interview With Star Safety Recruit Karlos Williams

Karlos Williams has been on the recruiting radar for years. His brother, Vince Williams, was a highly recruited linebacker that signed with Florida State University in 2008. On February 21, 2010, the younger Williams brother began his path to greatness and committed to play for head coach Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles. Recruiting analysts and websites have been raving about this prospect for many years and have nothing but good things to say about how talented he is, both on and off the field. Rivals.com rates Williams as the #1 safety prospect in all of high school football and as the #37 overall prospect. ESPN rates him as the #1 safety prospect as well, but lists him as the #21 best player in the country. Recruiting guru Barry Every said, "Defensively, he has the size and attitude to put a hurting on receivers and ball carriers and has the size and potential to end up as an extremely athletic linebacker. He does have nice hands and catches the ball away from his body." Needless to say, Williams is going to be big-time at the next level. I am caught up with Karlos and discussed the recruiting process, his goals for this season, his new position coach, and much more.

Tom Loy - Your brother is Vince Williams, current linebacker for Florida State, your family bleeds Garnet and Gold, and you are currently committed to the Seminoles class of 2011. How does that feel?

Karlos Williams - It feels surreal, sometimes, knowing that I'll be wearing the same colors as all of the other Florida State greats and what they wore years before my time. It's an honor.

Tom Loy - When you are 17 years old and are 6'2 and 215 pounds of pure muscle and can run a 4.5.40 yard dash, you must have a great focus when it comes to working out and conditioning. Who have you been training with in the off-season to get to where you are today?

Karlos Williams - I work with speed and agility coach Tom Shaw at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL.

***Shaw has worked with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, Calvin Johnson, and many more NFL stars in the past

Tom Loy - You have mentioned before that you would like to take some official visits, even though you are very much committed 100% to Florida State. What official visits do you plan on taking this year?

Karlos Williams - Not really sure yet, I am still making my choices. Some potential visits could be FSU, Alabama, University of Southern California, California, Michigan, Georgia, and LSU.

Tom Loy - Lamarcus Joyner and Jeff Luc were big on recruiting other athletes to join the FSU family for the 2010 class. Who are you recruiting to join you in the class of 2011?

Karlos Williams - Well, that's a long list of recruits. Right now I am working on Brandon Fulse (Fort Meade, FL), Ray Drew (Thomasville, GA), Tony Steward (St. Augustine, FL), James Wilder, Jr. (Tampa, FL), and even though he is committed to Alabama, Hasean Clinton-Dix (Orlando, FL).

Tom Loy - You play quarterback, running back, and safety at Ridge Community High School. What is your ideal position when you get to the next level?

Karlos Williams - Free-Safety.

***Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops coached Ed Reed and Sean Taylor while at the University of Miami.

Tom Loy - FSU is relentless when it comes to recruiting. Which coach do you credit to working the hardest to seal your commitment this year?

Karlos Williams - Every coach on the entire staff. Just like the players play together, the coaches recruit together.

Tom Loy - You have one year left of high school until you get to Tallahassee. What goals would you like to achieve in your senior season?

Karlos Williams - Just one thing... I really want a district championship.

Tom Loy - The Seminoles have many new faces on the coaching staff, which could equate to new players stepping up as a result to a different style of coaching. Who do you see having a big year this upcoming season?

Karlos Williams - The whole team. I'm with Florida state all the way. WE are going to be awesome.

Tom Loy - After many, many years as Defensive Coordinator, Mickey Andrews retired from coaching. What are your thoughts on newly hired Defensive Coordinator Mark Stoops and how is your relationship with him?

Karlos Williams - Me and coach Stoops are close. This Tuesday I will be going to stay with my brother Vince and I will be watching the FSU camp. I won't be participating, but I'll be hanging with the coaches.

Tom Loy - Any final words to the Seminole fans out there who are highly anticipating the day you first step foot on campus in an FSU uniform?

Karlos Williams - Be ready for the 911 ! (9-Karlos and 11-Vince)

*****Thank you Karlos for a terrific interview. I wish you an incredible, healthy, outstanding season. You deserve all the great accolades you have coming your way. You are an outstanding student-athlete. Good luck this season!