Wake Forest Athletics
5 Questions with Paul Williams
3/10/2020 1:39:00 PM | Football
“It’s evaluating well and developing. I’ve spent a lot of time with NFL coaches. I think I’ve got an idea of what they’re looking for." - Coach Paul Williams
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By Les Johns
New Wake Forest Football cornerback coach Paul Williams joins the staff with more than 23 years experience, having helped 13 of his players earn selections in the NFL Draft.
While he brings more than two decades of experience, it's experience that the Deacs lack at the cornerback position in 2020. Having graduated two 13-game starters from a year ago in Amari Henderson and Essang Bassey, Williams will need to sort through the remaining talent quickly and get them ready to compete in time for the season opener at Old Dominion on Sept. 4.
Here's five questions with new Wake Forest cornerback coach Paul Williams:
What do you look for on the recruiting trail?
Williams: "My biggest philosophy is just finding an athlete. I don't get caught in the hype, and I don't get caught up in size. Can this guy play? It's not about just looking at a kid playing corner, but looking at athletes. Is he a quarterback, a receiver, or a basketball player? It's about finding that guy and projecting. You have to get to know him and he has to have a competitive nature, because covering wideouts and going against really athletic quarterbacks takes athleticism and competitiveness. Then it's about developing those traits. It's a process, you have to trust that process and get the corners to buy into it."
What will you be looking for early from your group of cornerbacks?
Williams: "It's looking to see who's competing. Who is a student of the game. I look for that more than anything. A lot of times, it's not who everybody thinks it is. They all develop at their own rate. There are guys here who are coming back from injuries. I just need three of them. I have to figure out who those three are. The other ones might not be on campus right now. For now, it's the seven who are here. It's pushing those guys, and developing them.
"Scrimmages are big for me. You see who blinks and who doesn't blink. It's getting those guys reps under fire and figuring it out from there."
What do you consider success at your position?
Williams: "You're not always going to win national championships. There are very few who get a chance to do that at any level, but it's developing that kid into a better person. When he does go out into the real world, he's successful, but he's successful through hard work, dedication and being accountable. That's the same thing I want in my kids."
How have you had such great success sending playing to the NFL?
Williams: "It's evaluating well and developing. I've spent a lot of time with NFL coaches. I think I've got an idea of what they're looking for.
"I'm honest about what it takes to play at level, and the commitment it takes. The guys who really want it are willing to do the things needed to get there. When they get there, they aren't surprised. They're ready. I've been fortunate enough to recruit some good guys, and they've done a great job being ready."
What about the challenge at Wake Forest excites you?
Williams: "Getting to know the players and developing them. None of these guys other than Ja' (Ja'Sir Taylor) have really played. I'm looking forward to developing those guys and helping them improve. I want to get them on the field to compete. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
"Develop our young guys quickly, getting them to play hard and helping them improve. I know I can do that. I'm looking forward to it."
Next Up
Wake Forest is back on the field for the fifth practice in spring ball on March 17.
The spring game Presented by Wake Forest Baptist Health is scheduled for April 4 in BB&T Field. We invite all of Deacon Nation to come get their first glimpse at the 2020 team. Admission is free. After the game, fans can go onto the field to meet their favorite members of the Wake Forest team and get pictures and autographs.
