Jayvion Williams is one of the best players from the Tampa, FL area in the Class of 2027.
The 4-foot-8, 89-pound Williams, who attends Clair-Mel Middle School, is a dynamic player that works as a running back, cornerback and safety.
Williams has played for the Packers and Jaguars in the TBYFL.
Williams has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding youth career, such as winning the Sportsmanship award and MVP.
Williams is humbled by the accolades.
“Those awards and those trophies motivate me so I can work harder in football. First of all it’s about the team first though,” Williams said. “Anything good that happens to me is because of the great teammates I have.”
No matter the opponent, on each snap Williams is determined to give it his all.
Williams is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Williams steps between the lines.
“My mind set at my position is running through the holes and don’t be scared of anybody, even if they’re bigger than me,” Williams said. “I want my opponent to have to earn everything they get. I refuse to give anything less than my all.”
Williams has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Williams tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love that you have the chance to go pro and make the NFL. Football is a way for you to make a career,” Williams said. “It gives me a chance to one day give back to my family all that they deserve.”
Williams has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Playing football has taught so much about life in general,” Williams said. “It’s taught me to always work hard in life and to never give up no matter what”
Williams recalls his favorite football memory.
“When I finally beat the Panthers because I never beat them before and I had a 95-yard touchdown,” Williams said. “It was a special memory that I’m never going to forget.”
Kellen Derr is in his first season coaching Williams for the Tampa Bay Jaguars.
Derr explains the best parts of Williams’ game.
“The kid is the total package. At running back he has the size, speed and vision. To be his age he’s probably one of the best players in the league already. He has that confidence about him. On defense he has a nose for the ball,” Derr said. “For him to be 9-years-old he’s already pretty advanced in knowing how to use his blockers and be a blocker.”
Williams takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Williams makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by cheering my teammates on even when I'm not playing and I treat them like my brothers and look out for them by being a leader,” Williams said. “The best advice I give my teammates is to stay focused and don’t give up.”
Derr adds that Williams is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“He’s a great leader. He’s always encouraging his teammates and telling them ‘Good job’,” Derr said. “He lifts their spirits whenever something wrong happens. He practices everything he preaches, so his teammates respect him and follow his lead.”
Williams is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I’ve learned many things from my coaches about being a better player and person,” Williams said. “They tell me to always cheer my team on and to stay focused at all times. They say pain is success. Always work hard for what you want.”
Derr is an advocate of Williams’ capabilities.
“We had the ball with like three minutes left in the game vs. the Panthers up 12-0. He sealed the game with a 95-yard touchdown,” Derr said. “That was the dagger that helped lead us to that victory.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Williams also has a high level of football IQ as well.
Williams has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“His IQ already at his age is second to none. He already thinks about the game the way a 13 or 14-year-old would,” Derr said. “He’s a very smart player.”
Williams is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He’s a very hard working kid,” Derr said. “I tip my hat to his dad for instilling that mentality in him. He’s extremely dedicated to getting better. I can’t take credit for it. It all starts at home.”
Derr explains why he compared Williams to this player.
“I would compare him to Le’Veon Bell because he’s so versatile in the backfield and as a receiver,” Derr said. “The kid is multi-talented on the field.”
Williams patterns his style of play after the star running back.
“I look up to Le’Veon Bell because of how hard he runs with the football,” Williams said. “He’s always a threat to score a touchdown every time he gets the ball.”
Williams is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“On the field my goal is work hard and off the field my goal is do good in school,” Williams said. “I want to make my family proud of me in everything that I do.”
Williams lists writing as his favorite subject in school.
“I like writing stories and being able to express my thoughts with words,” Williams said.
Derr outlines the next areas of improvement for Williams.
“Just to overall get better as a football player. He plays running back and defensive back right now but he has the capability to do even more,” Derr said. “So we just want to prepare him for all phases of the game.”
Derr believes the sky is the limit as long as Williams continues to stay hungry.
“I think his potential is through the roof. If he keeps up his coachability and keeps being the team player that he is, greatness will be possible,” Derr said. “All of our coaches feel like he can be special.”
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