Reggie Williams
LAKEWOOD - The phrase tattooed on Reggie Williams' right shoulder says something about his determination: "Only the Strong Survive."
The giant "R" tattooed just above it says something about his confidence.
The Lakes senior has plenty of both, not that anyone could miss the message when Williams starts talking or playing.
He is quick to correct a reporter's misinformation, pointing out he is the top receiver recruit in the nation, not just the region.
Williams is just as quick with his reply when asked about the key to his success in football.
"I work harder than a lot of people," he says dryly. "Inside, you have to know you're the best. I'll really try to embarrass the DB (defensive back)."
Cocky?
Maybe a little.
Grateful for and deserving of his success?
Yes.
Able to back up his words with his play?
Definitely.
Williams is such a talent that the 17-year-old is likely to get a football scholarship from any of the five Division I football powers that he prefers - Michigan, USC, UCLA, Notre Dame and Washington.
"Not in any order, though," Williams says of his options.
He and Lakes Coach Dave Miller had already pared the list of college choices from the 60 that approached Williams last spring.
Williams, 6 feet 4 and 215 pounds, is listed as the top prospect in the nation at his position by several several recruiting Web sites and publications. Analysts and college coaches rave about his size, speed and hands. One recruiter sees Williams as an "Antonio Freeman type," a comparison to the Green Bay Packer receiver.
Miller, the offensive coordinator at Lakes for the past 15 seasons before becoming coach this year, knew Williams was a special kind of player when he saw him as a freshman.
"He's been progressing every year," said Miller, whose son, Drew, was a heavily recruited quarterback. "His freshman year, he was tall and uncoordinated, but you could see the potential. He's not only big but very physical. He's just a total package. You can't find a weakness."
Watching Williams in practice going one-on-one against teammates, it's easy to see what Miller is talking about. Wearing an orange bandana on his head and gleaming white cleats, Williams towers over his defender.
On the bumpy grass, the Lancers horse around. Williams, calling himself "Deion Sanders," lines up against teammate Jesse Hendrix, who chooses to be Miami Dolphin cornerback Sam Madison.
"In practice, I'm going against him and trying to make myself better," said Hendrix, a Lancer senior who starts at cornerback. "I'm able to compete better in games because I've already been against the best."
Williams runs fly and post patterns, crossing routes and slants, pulling down passes with ease.
When finished, though, Williams reveals another side of his persona and starts talking about his team and community. For all the confidence he exudes, the team concept remains critical to him.
"It's more of a family at our school," Williams said. "All the parents go to games. On the field, it's business. When we go off the field, we hang out and joke around.
"I think we can win state, unless our starters get injured."
Williams stepped into the spotlight last season, helping the Lancers win the Pierce County League title and advance all the way to the state semifinals, where they lost to Sammamish, 27-23.
The Totems stifled Williams that day, even scoring a touchdown on a pass play in which Williams was a defender. But he ended last season as an all-PCL first-team selection as both receiver and safety, making 25 catches for 555 yards with seven touchdowns for the year.
He also returned two punts for scores. But Williams hardly dwells on all of that now.
He attended the Notre Dame football camp in South Bend, Ind., marveling at the famed Golden Dome and hallowed bowl that is Notre Dame Stadium. Fighting Irish Coach Bob Davie offered him a scholarship during the camp, but Williams did not accept so hastily. He will return later this year for an official visit, and will also go to the four other schools on his list.
"(My decision) will be based on how quick I'll be able to come in and play, and the coaches and community," Williams said.
Still, there is his senior season to play at Lakes, and Williams is prepared. He says he expects more chances to return kicks and punts and perhaps take a few handoffs out of the backfield. Besides a state title, another of his goals is to play in the Parade All-American Game at season's end.
The constant calls from coaches, friends and media, which come with the anticipation of making a college choice, hardly faze the outgoing Williams.
"I don't feel any pressure," Williams says. "I like talking to people. That's just helping the school (Lakes) out."
But Williams will be the first to admit that receivers have to have an air of cockiness about them. He is no exception.
"I don't think I was doubled (double-covered) much last year," he said. "This year, I'll expect it."
Lancer quarterback Matt Griffith is one of Williams' best friends. The two have played several sports together, and, knowing they would be key players later in their high-school football careers, have played catch since they were freshmen.
"He's real confident in who he is and what he can do," Griffith says of Williams. "If he gets a goal set in his mind, there's no way you can stop him.
"Last year he was great, but over the summer he's come into his own."
It's hard to argue with such assessments after seeing Williams in person. The imposing height, toned muscles and amazing speed stand out first. Then there is his eloquence and good-natured humor, which make a stranger feel like a friend.
The swagger and casual boasting give way to a young man grateful for all he has been blessed with in life. Williams thanks his parents, Reginald and Wanda Williams, for molding him into a well-rounded person, as well as an athlete. He says they always encouraged him to never give up in anything. Football may be his heart, but family is his backbone.
Older brother Derrick, a former Lancer, has been Reggie's mentor on and off the field. Derrick Williams is now playing football at Redwood Junior College in California.
"He helps me on my routes and shows me things to do to get open," Reggie says.
Williams is not only a quick runner, but a quick learner. Miller is only too happy to point out his receiver's 3.4 grade-point average and NCAA-qualifying SAT score along with Willliams' two second-place finishes in the 100- and 200-meter dashes at last spring's Class 3A state track meet.
"He'll take them (the SAT and ACT) again to see if he can do better," Miller says. "He wants to be an accountant."
Miller has been there to see Williams grow as both a player and a person, and says Williams has earned his teammates' respect.
"Reggie's a rare combination of natural physical ability and the work ethic and mentality," Miller says. "He doesn't rest at all, and he's always trying to get better.
"He really blossomed this year. He's still got his senior season to go, but I haven't seen anyone in 20 years of coaching who can do what he does."
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Seattle Times / 2000 preseason all-state football team
OFFENSE
QB Matt Griffith, Lakes 6-2 190 Senior
RB Ty Eriks, O'Dea 6-2 220 Senior
RB Cory Jones, Kennedy 6-2 210 Senior
RB Dan McCourtie, Othello 6-3 230 Senior
WR Reggie Williams, Lakes 6-4 215 Senior
WR Justin McCullum, Mercer Island 6-4 208 Senior
WR Marty Martin, Puyallup 5-11 175 Senior
TE Andy Heater, Snohomish 6-4 242 Senior
OL Brad Vanneman, Issaquah 6-3 270 Senior
OL Zack Erz, Prosser 6-5 275 Senior
OL Cory Proctor, Gig Harbor 6-6 250 Senior
OL Matt Chalfant, Sehome 6-5 297 Senior
OL Jim Raines, Anacortes 6-6 280 Senior
PK Jay Voss, Curtis 5-9 165 Senior
DEFENSE
DL A.J. Mitz, Kentwood 6-4 260 Senior
DL Josh Williams, Davis 6-6 310 Senior
DL William Felagai, Lincoln 6-2 260 Senior
DL Tusi Saau, Rainier Beach 6-3 295 Senior
LB Ben Woodard, Cheney 6-4 210 Senior
LB Kyle Basler, Elma 6-3 230 Senior
LB Jeff Parks, Bethel 6-3 210 Senior
LB Will Conwell, Kentwood 6-5 240 Senior
DB Landon Kafentzis, Richland 6-1 200 Senior
DB Jeremy Bohannon, Richland 5-11 180 Senior
DB Evan Benjamin, Redmond 6-0 200 Senior
LB Nate Nichols, Walla Walla 6-2 200 Senior
P/KR Darion Powell, Lake Washington 6-4 205 Senior