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Tider Insider's
Recruiting Recap

PRE-SIGNING INTERVIEW
with
SHAWN WILLIAMS

(Go to Profile)

In Alabama football history there are several examples of the Tide’s landing a sleeper prospect from a HS team that is loaded with so-called blue-chippers. One example is of a Tide player who has been nominated for the NFL Hall of Fame.

Alabama signed Dwight Stephenson out of Hampton, VA in 1976. Stephenson had four HS teammates who were heavily recruited "can't-miss" prospects. Stephenson, believe it or not, was only lightly recruited by a few schools.

As the story goes, Alabama coaches were taking a chance on Stephenson only because they felt it would help their chances with the four blue-chippers. A few days before signing day, all five players decided they would attend Alabama.

Then a funny thing happened the night before the players were to sign with the Tide. The four blue-chippers decided, without telling Stephenson or Alabama coaches, that they would instead sign with NC State. The next morning while Stephenson was signing with Alabama, his buddies were signing with the Wolfpack.

At the time, it looked as if Alabama was the big loser in this situation. But while the lightly recruited Stephenson went on to become an All-American at Alabama and probably the greatest center in NFL history, his blue-chip HS teammates faded into obscurity.

You never know when history may repeat itself. Alabama has been recruiting five players from Augusta Josey HS this season. One of those players is DL Shawn Williams. Shawn, who is considered a prospect on the rise, is not getting nearly the hype that some of his blue-chip teammates are getting.

Shawn spoke to Tider Insider on Wednesday night, January 8.

TI

Shawn, you play on a HS team loaded with big time talent. Do you guys ever discuss the possibility of going to the same school?

SW

It would really be nice for that to happen. However, it looks like we could go our separate ways.

TI

Which schools are you looking at?

SW

I am going to make four visits: Alabama this weekend, Vanderbilt the 17th, South Carlina the 24th and probably Penn State the 31st. All have offered me a scholarship.

TI

What will you be looking for in a school?

SW

Primarily academics. I want a school that has a proven track record of graduating players. As far as I am concerned, they all have well respected football programs. The difference to me will be academics.

TI

Tell us about yourself as a player.

SW

I'm a defensive end. My favorite thing is to stop the run. I come with a lot of power and quickness. I'm also a very good pass rusher.

TI

What are the coaches saying you can do to help their program?

SW

They all say that they need student-athletes like me. A guy who can get it done on and off the field.

QUICK FACTS: Shawn says he's 6'5, 240 and runs a 4.9. He says academics will not be a problem. He does not pay attention to his stats; so he could not give me his number of tackles, sacks, etc. Shawn wore number 69 in HS.


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