Syracuse football DB Trill Williams is ready to have a huge sophomore season. Here’s why people need to be talking about him more heading into 2019.
When a 10-3 record-breaking season happens, a lot of people deserve credit and were responsible for the success.
Syracuse football defensive back Trill Williams is someone who deserves more credit for his freshman season.
He played in 12 of the 13 games last season and really was a swiss army knife of sorts for Brian Ward on the Orange defense. Trill lined up at corner and nickel, but only started in four games (three at the corner spot and one at nickel).
Statistically, Williams registered the second most tackles among true freshmen (31 tackles) and snagged two interceptions. But that’s where we get to the crux of why Trill hasn’t received the respect he should’ve because he was “second” among true freshman in nearly every category on the Orange.
Of course, the reason being is Andre Cisco was first with (51 tackles), but more so than the tackles is the turnovers. Andre stole all the headlines and all the interceptions (finishing with seven picks which were tied for the most in all of college football).
Cisco deserved and deserves all the attention he has garnered, but some of that spotlight should be shared with Trill. He joined Syracuse labeled an “athlete” due to his versatility in high school playing cornerback, running back, and wide receiver.
On top of playing several different positions on his football team, Trill also ran track and played basketball.
Trill Williams did gain some huge notoriety for one of the craziest plays you’ll ever see in his high school days, he was already committed to the Orange at this point:
Syracuse is hoping they’ll get some more of this in 2019 from Trill. The positive news is SU returns their entire starting secondary from last season. That continuity is always important, but especially this year considering the Orange has to replace their entire linebacking corps for the third straight season.
Think about it like this: Syracuse returns their secondary and the majority of their defensive line (outside of Chris Slayton who got drafted by the New York Giants). Which means the bread around the sandwich is great, just the meat in the middle is a little new (linebacking corps).
But if the defensive line and secondary are doing their jobs, it should make things a lot easier for the inexperienced linebackers.
Speaking of inexperience, Trill Williams has gotten those butterflies out of the way in his freshman season and now as a sophomore he can focus on getting better. His best strength is making plays whether that is interceptions, tackles for loss, or special teams play. Expect him to continue doing what he does best in 2019.