Williams on college future
2016 Stanford defensive line commit Michael Williams' senior season was dotted by highs and lows.
On the one hand, Williams played a key role in his All Saints High School's 10-2 season, which culminated in a Southwest Preparatory Conference title.
"We had probably the best d-line I've ever played on this year," Williams said. "We totaled up like 40 sacks. We gave up only like 70 yards rushing the whole year. So we had a good season. I feel like the growth of everybody, making people around you play better... I feel like I made my team and my defense around me play better. I'm proud of the growth we made. And the championship game was crazy, the craziest game I've ever played in my life. I couldn't be happier about season."
Unfortunately, however, Williams also suffered a torn labrum for the second year in a row. He had surgery to repair the injury (which was not to the same shoulder as he hurt last season) on Monday.
"I feel good," Williams said. "I feel like I'm healing fast. I came back from the first one fast... I'm just trying to get it over with but I have to go through the process."
"I'm in a sling for four weeks then I start movement. I'll probably start lifting around March and then probably be cleared end of April. And then summer stuff from there, back to the grind."
Two days after Williams underwent surgery, he hosted his future position coach, Randy Hart, for an in-home visit.
I couldn't be prouder to say I'll spend the next 4 to 5 years of my life playing for this man & Stanford University pic.twitter.com/LkA51iOzcV- Uncle Julio (@mike_williams52) December 10, 2015
"It was good," Williams said. "It was good talking to him. It was good seeing my dude."
Williams said that he speaks with Hart on a weekly basis. The Cardinal defensive line coach emphasizes the benefits Stanford presents beyond just the gridiron.
"(We discuss) just the opportunities Stanford holds, not even on the football field, things other than that," Williams said. "Going through the process knowing that it's not like every other school. It's not going to be as easy to get into. Getting into a school like that... is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it."
Williams has kept a close eye on his future school as the season has progressed. In addition to watching the Cardinal on TV, he visited The Farm for the Cardinal's matchup with Oregon.
"They've done great," Williams said. "The way the season started to the end, the progress was just tremendous. I remember watching the first game (and thinking), 'This is not how we normally play.' And then seeing this last game, I like the progress and I see the d-line play and I see the culture and I'm interested, I'm ready to get over there."
"(When I visited for the Oregon game), I just wanted to see the game day atmosphere and see how it was. I can tell you it's not like coming from a private school where there are like 200 people at your game. It's electric. Even if it's not as electric as some of the other SEC schools, it still can get your blood pumping, so I loved it."
Williams will take a return trip to The Farm next month for the program's big recruiting weekend. He'll get to spend time with his fellow 2016 Cardinal commits on that trip.
"We talk every day," Williams said. "They're my bros. I haven't seen them all year. That's my family."
Though Williams didn't have any other trips planned when he spoke with Cardinal Sports Report, he has since set an official visit to Texas for late January. There's also a good chance he will take an official to Arkansas.
Williams has submitted his application. He said Stanford's admissions office is waiting on his first semester grades.
On the fence about a Cardinal Sports Report subscription? Access all premium content for free until the Rose Bowl by signing up today. Follow this link to get started.