ITG-SG / September 2016
A year after rushing for 1,076 yards and earning All-Region Honors, Thomas County Central quarterback Kelias Williams is back for more as he enters his senior season in the Jackets’ Nest. Williams was the main offensive weapon in a high-octane offense a season ago, and after his team nearly upset a highly-ranked Jonesboro squad in the opening round of the GHSA state playoffs, the senior leader is hoping to take his team to new heights in 2016.
“There’s a lot expected of you, and there’s a lot of pressure because of the greats that have done it,” Williams said of being the field general of a team with the tradition of TCC. “My personal goal for this year is to rush for 1,500 yards and throw for 1,000, but my main goal is to lead my team to a region championship and then hopefully a state championship.”
TCC runs an option-based offense from the split-back veer, meaning that Williams isn’t your prototypical, pocket-passing quarterback. Instead, the Jackets’ QB has to make split-second reads on rushing plays that are often the difference between no gain and a first-down run.
Williams has the combination of size and speed that could, and probably will in college, allow him to play in a different position, but for now he is the key cog of a ground-based offense that is nearly impossible to stop once it gets going.
“It’s very easy now,” Williams said of running Central’s offense. “I’ve been taught to look at the reader’s eyes, which helps me see if he’s taking the dive or if he has QB responsibilities.”
“Honestly, I don’t have to do much playbook studying because I’ve been running this system since I was in fifth grade,” Willaims said. “It’s become very simple to me.”
Williams’ has some extra motivation entering his final high school campaign, as Central has solved its scheduling conflict with crosstown rival Thomasville, meaning the two will face each other again this season.
“It’s an exciting rivalry,” Willaims said of the matchup, which will occur Aug. 26 at Thomasville. “I know it’s a big game since we haven’t played them since I was a freshman, and now it’s my last year.”
“I also like to play against Cairo because it’s become a big rival as well,” Williams said when asked about his favorite team to play against. “I like playing against (Syrupmakers linebacker) Walter Grant because he’s a good player and is always good competition.”
Like so many other players before him, Williams views football as more than a game and draws inspiration from those who have gone before him.
“Seeing my older brother PJ Williams and cousin Erik Walden play quarterback for Central first made me want to play football,” the TCC field general, who threw for 530 yards and recorded 15 total touchdowns in 2015, said of the sport he hopes to play in college. “But now I love the game because it takes all the pain away. When I get on the field, I feel relieved, and all of my problems go away.”
Williams’ on-the-field role model is Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas, who led the Yellow Jackets to the 2014 Orange Bowl by routing SEC foe Mississippi State and who is one of the few Division I quarterbacks in the country to run the spread option offense. Williams, like Thomas, isn’t a big player, but has the speed to beat defenses to the edge and the willingness to put his head down and take on defenders.
“We’re similar in many ways,” Central’s QB said of Georgia Tech’s. “We even run the same offense, so seeing him run that system helps me develop my game.”
Williams likely isn’t too far away from playing college football himself, as one school has already come calling and several others aren’t too far away should the TCC quarterback post big numbers again this season.
“I can’t complain,” Williams said of the recruiting process. “I have an offer from Troy, and I have several other schools still looking. I would love to play running back or defensive back in college.”
Williams’ 4.5 40-yard dash speed and ability to put his head down and gain yardage between the tackles is an enticing mix of talent that several colleges could have a place for come next season.
His talent on the field will undoubtedly draw the attention of schools and spectators alike during his senior season, but Williams is more than just an athlete.
“My role model is Martin Luther King Jr.,” the quarterback said. “I want to have a big impact on the lives of others and also be a great leader like him. I plan on attending college and majoring in business in addition to playing football.”
Speaking of business, the Yellow Jackets’ senior leader knows he has some to take care of during the 2016 season. TCC came within seconds of a wire-to-wire upset victory in the state playoffs last year, and while that game was undoubtedly a heartbreaking way to end 2015, it could serve as both momentum and a confidence booster as Central prepares to play.
The Yellow Jackets, led by head coach Bill Shaver, know that they can compete with some of the most talented schools in the state. Additionally, a plethora of returning talent led by Williams means that Central should have no problems putting up points. Should the team’s defense show some sort of improvement, there is no reason to believe that TCC won’t surprise some people and potentially pull off an upset or two.
“I want to do the right things on and off the field and be vocal,” Williams said of his leadership style. “I just want to distribute the ball to my playmakers and win games.”
At the end of the day, despite the fact that Thomas County Central does the majority of its damage on the ground, Kelias Williams doesn’t care how his team scores.
“I’m not really sure,” Williams said when asked of whether he prefers rushing or passing. “I just like putting up points.”
ITG Web Content
Thomas County Central QB Kelias Williams – Player Spotlight
By Jacob Dennis
