Showing up late ends up working in favor of Williams, Texas A&M

By Justin Harper
jharper@oklahoman.com

When KJ Williams arrived late at football camp last summer, he temporarily lost his identity. Who knew that would help him find a scholarship?

Williams signed with Texas A&M Wednesday morning, becoming the first football player from Norman North to earn a Division-IA full ride. The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder will play tight end for the Aggies.

The way A&M coaches were introduced to Williams is a recruiting tale that no doubt will make the rounds in College Station when the 19-year-old arrives on campus. Williams was a late arrival to a Nike camp in Fort Worth last summer, causing a mix-up at registration. He was given a jersey with a number that was not assigned to a player. So, when this big, unknown kid started putting up big-time numbers in combine drills and making big plays in live action, coaches wanted to know who the mystery stud was. His performance drew coaches attention and his anonymity only raised their curiosity.

“Since my name and number didn’t match, (coaches) were coming up and talking to me,” Williams said. “And before I even got out of the parking lot I had an offer.”

Williams verbally committed to A&M right away. However, when Dennis Franchione resigned as Texas A&M coach in November, Williams briefly thought about looking into other options. And he had plenty as all but three Big 12 schools offered a scholarship.

“Once everything happened with Coach Fran, I started to wonder about some things,” said Williams. “I opened up my options.”

After a visit to College Station on Jan. 11 and a one-on-one meeting with new A&M coach Mike Sherman, Williams knew he would stick with his first choice.