Another Syracuse football recruiting sitdown, this time with the versatile athlete from Washington in Lakiem Williams. ITLH breaks it all down here.
We’ve done a lot of Syracuse football recruiting sitdowns here on Inside the Loud House, but this conversation may be my favorite of all. It’s also vitally important for a variety of reasons. A lot of SU legends and production is leaving the program this season.
Which means someone is going to have to step up to the plate. In this particular case, SU is losing their leader and playcaller on defense in Zaire Franklin. That is nearly impossible leadership and production to have to replace.
But fortunately there’s a commit who’s willing to take on the challenge. His name is Lakeim Williams and he comes by way of JUCO. Williams is a versatile athlete that has played a variety of positions on defense and has even excelled as a star running back during his career.
He has high expectations and impressive aspirations to reach in his two years with the Orange. While he has a slew of skills, he’s as humble as they come. This is going to be an interview you’re really going to enjoy. Now without further adieu it’s time to meet your future star at the linebacker position.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
What other schools were in the conversation and what separated the Orange from competition?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
I chose Syracuse because of the tradition that they have. There is a lot of history with this University and I want to be able to have my own piece of history as well ! My former QB Clayton Welch was a big boost with my tradition with him being there for a semester, he was able to tell me about the program, and I liked everything I heard ! I took the official visit and loved everything about the University and the coaching staff ! It felt like home as soon as I got off the plane. And there was Kansas, Houston, Toledo, Umass also in my top five.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Great answer, in terms of your role on this team next season, what has coach Dino Babers revealed to you if anything yet? What position do you feel most comfortable in?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
I am coming in and looking to be replacing #4 we play a very similar role and I feel like I’m the best person to fill his shoes. I’ve been calling out plays and communication to a defense since my freshman year of high school leading up till now (4 year starter ). I just have to get into this new playbook master it, fight between the linebacker that are already there for the starting spot.
I like being able to come down hill and hit players ! Or be in space it doesn’t matter I will do anything and everything to help get into the ACC championship this season ! By my coming in January I feel like I will be more than enough prepared for the season !!!
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Speaking of No. 4, you have huge shoes to fill thanks to one of the best CUSE LBs of this generation in Zaire Franklin. How much have you seen of Franklin whether on tape or coaches telling you about him? And how do you try to replace what he brought to the table and at the same time bring your own flair to it?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
Yes I know I have a huge role to feel ! He is a tremendous athlete and I wish him the best of luck with his next step ! However all I can speak on right now is just bringing the same thing he put to the table every single day but with my style and speed to it !! I Like to play extremely fast and hit hard I am very versatile I can play ILB/OLB/SS and was originally a running back in high school rushed for over 1,000 I am an athlete and wherever the ball is I will be ! I can better answer this question once I’m through the spring !
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
We can respect that, so per your profile pic it seems like you went with No. 4 jersey? Any specific reason for that and if so please fill us in!
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
Thank you ! And to be honest no not really. I like the number and I want this switch to be easy for our defense. Since I have to make calls I feel like it will calm them down because they will look at me and see Franklin and just now leaving and by the time everybody realizes that he is gone and it is me calling the shots we will have the playbook and everything mastered. I just think it will be a smooth route rather than changing to a different number and plus it was already open for grabs.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Interesting, so what are you goals at Syracuse? In the short term? And also long term?
It’s hard to miss you holding the Heisman trophy in your profile pic. I’m sure you’re well aware that only one player in this illustrious program’s history has ever won the Heisman trophy and he was also the first African-American to ever win the award in Ernie Davis.
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
I want this transition to be smooth and my goals not only to get my BA degree but to come in and get ACC 1st team two seasons in a row !! And I’m trying to get my self in the Heisman man campaign ! My family and I are really close friends with Floyd little. It would be an honor to win a Heisman from the University he attended !
Long term I want to be ALL ACC linebacker two years in a row and lead the NCAA/ ACC in tackles and get my self in the Heisman race ! And from there go next level.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Speaking of next level, how bad do you want to play in the NFL? What would it mean to you to make it?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
It would mean the world to me. It’s been a dream since I was growing up ! And I’m going do everything I can to get that shot !!
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Since we’re talking NFL, is there any players in the past or in today’s game that you watch closely that you try and take things from their game and instill it into your own?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
Yes there is three players. First off would be my All time favorite Sean Taylor ! Straight menace on the field every play no matter what. I want teams to have to worry about me and where I am. No. 2 would be Ryan Shazier the fastest linebacker in the game right now and that’s what I want to be also! I am really fast. Last 40 was clocked in at a 4.45 I am currently the second fastest on my JUCO roster and was the fastest on my HS team. The third guy would have the be the one and only Reuben Foster ! He punished anything that came in his path and that’s what I plan to do also.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Kind of on that same notion, have you ever been compared in your career to any other player? A pro player comparison and if so who?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
Yes sir, I just started getting the Ryan Shazier, but I’ve always been compared to Myles jack growing since we are both Washington natives.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
If someone had never seen you play before, how would you describe your game?
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
As a violent linebacker that loves contact and also has speed like a secondary player so wherever the ball is I’ll be in that area.
Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25):
Final question what’s your message to Orange Nation!
Next: Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History
QB Nightmare (@Lakiem_Williams):
I am going to do everything I can to help our team win every game. One day at a time and I can’t wait to see everybody in the Dome on game day !!!