The Syracuse football team is looking to add some more talent to their defense. They can go a long way in doing that with this acquisition.
It’s been a blessing to interview so many Syracuse football players, commits, and recruits alike. To check out our archives just go to the homepage and look under our Syracuse Football tab or our All-Time List tabs for those previous interviews.
When people think of Syracuse, they think of the snow, Jim Brown, and the Carrier Dome. If you push them to think about today’s Orange team, snow and the carrier dome still makes the list. But a culture is being shifted here in Central New York.
For the majority of the 21st century, the Syracuse football team and mediocrity have gone hand-in-hand. Dino Babers it just over a year is starting to change that narrative. While the team still had a sub-par season (4-8) last year, the culture is changing.
Babers brings a high-octane offense, a no nonsense attitude, and a winning mentality to Syracuse. The only thing that’s missing is quality pieces on defense. He’s hoping to change that with the addition of EJ Williams out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Lets get to know the prospect in this one-on-one interview.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"So first off, tell us about receiving an offer from Syracuse. Where does this offer rank among your offers? What was the pitch by Dino Babers and staff?"
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E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"I was very excited to receive the offer and I would rank them number 1, it’s my only power 5 offer. And I talked with the defensive coordinator coach ward, he told me they were offering me and he said that he liked my physical style of play and he didn’t know whether he liked me better as a safety or an outside linebacker. They wanted me to come up to a camp so they could work with me and also to meet the staff."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Speaking of that, we just did a piece on you talking about that position (Safety/OLB) and how it’s evolving and the lines are being blurred. What do you make of this rover position that you have to cover tight ends (playing man and zone schemes) and also blitzing and doing those kinds of things? Do you have a preference for what position you’d like to play?"
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E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"Just read the article! I appreciate it a lot very thankful. In order to play the rover position, I think you have to be a guy that is physical enough to play the run and pass rush but also be athletic enough to play in space. I personally don’t have a preference I like doing both, being in the mix when there’s a run and covering a man when the ball is in the air."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Excellent analysis, speaking of what you’ll be doing at the collegiate level. What are some team and individual goals for your college career? Do you have anything you want to accomplish in mind?"
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E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"Well my number one goal right now is to stay a step ahead, wherever I do go play at the next level, I need to do whatever it takes to stay a step ahead, physically and mentally. Getting in extra reps whenever possible, and being a student of the game watching film."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Well with that, we’re going to take the next step and look ahead for you. Do you have your sights set on the NFL after college? If so tell us what that would mean. Or if you have other career interested outside of football."
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E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"I do have a dream of competing in the NFL, I’m going to constantly work towards that goal. I thought I wanted to play in the NFL when I was in the 6th grade but as I got older it started to become more real and I was realizing it was very much obtainable."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Speaking of the NFL, is there a player in the game today or perhaps someone who has retired that you model your game after? If so what traits and things do you take away and try to add to your game?"
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E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"Yes Kam Chancellor, and I try to bring the same physicality he brings. His ability to do both: play in zone to defend the pass and come down and lay the lumber. He just seems to have a nose for the football. When it comes to stopping the run, he can plug the hole and he comes down and hits hard, real hard."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Getting back to Syracuse, when do you plan on making your decision official? What more has to go into the process for your decision ultimately?"
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Russell Thompson-Bishop
E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"The plan is to commit some time early during my Senior season, and making my decision final will be based on how comfortable I feel with the program and the school as a whole. It’s important to go somewhere that’s a home away from home."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Also on top of that final question here, what’s your message to #OrangeNation. Despite this interview that is filling them in on you. Also if you could describe yourself as a player with one word, what would it be?"
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Brandon Berry
E.J. Williams (@_Jayzeus):
"My message would be, I’m thankful to be given a scholarship and a opportunity to become a part of the Syracuse family and if I was to describe my self in one word as a player it would be fearless."