RECRUITING: Valley’s Williams signs to play football at Utah State
Kerwynn Williams had known Utah State was interested in him for some time, but after signing day came and went Wednesday, Valley’s dual-threat quarterback remained unsigned.
Williams didn’t panic, feeling something would come around.
And on Friday, he became the first local to sign with a Football Bowl Subdivision program after signing day.
Utah State coach Gary Andersen announced Friday the Aggies had signed Williams and two others to national letters of intent.
“I’m looking forward to playing hard, well for my team and to move on to a bowl game or something,” Williams said Monday. “I can come in and have a big effect on the team immediately.”
The 5-foot-10-inch, 175-pound Williams has been told he will play running back at Utah State.
He played quarterback and safety as a senior after starring at running back and wide receiver as a junior.
“I think it helped a lot,” Williams said of playing multiple positions. “It showed that I was really versatile. I’m talented at more than one position.”
Williams rushed for 2,002 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2008, helping the Vikings finish 5-6.
“My goal at the beginning of the year was to get over 2,000 yards rushing and score over 20 touchdowns,” Williams said.
Williams was recently named one of 50 national finalists for the Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year award.
Utah State offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin said in a news release that Williams’ athleticism was a main draw.
“Kerwynn is an extremely gifted athlete,” Baldwin said. “The speed and explosiveness he has as a running back are what we were looking for in filling our need for a freshman running back. He’s an outstanding student and it’s wonderful that he will be part of our program.
“… He has some big numbers, and he’s a football player with track speed, not a track guy who is on the football team. He has explosive speed and is just an overall talented, talented player.”
Valley will host a ceremony to honor Williams’ signing in the school library at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
