Tayvion Williams is one of the best players from the Asheville, NC area in the Class of 2028.
The 4-foot-7, 72-pound Williams, who attends Oakley Elementary, is a versatile player that plays as a quarterback, cornerback, linebacker and defensive end.
Williams has played for the Asheville Cougars and Carolina Cougars during his outstanding youth football career.
Williams has already earned plenty of awards and recognition during his career, such as making the 7U all-star game and being named the Defensive Player of the Game at the Battle of the Rocky Top.
Williams is humbled for the opportunity to showcase his skills against the best of the best.
“It means I’m doing a great job,” Williams said. “It was great seeing all the other great players from all over the world.”
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.
“I strive to be the best at every position I’m put at,” Williams said. “I want to make the other team have to earn everything they get when I’m out there on the field.”
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 when I make big plays and showing off my skills,” Williams said. “I enjoy getting the crowd hyped and everyone off their feet clapping.”
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 taught me a lot,” Williams said. “Football has taught me how to be tough and how to be a better leader.”
Williams recalls his favorite football memory.
“When we won the Super Bowl for the first time because my leadership and hard work led us to the big win,” Williams said. “It was special to share that moment with my teammates.”
Chris Blanton has been coaching Williams for two years with the Asheville Cougars organization.
Blanton explains the best parts of Williams’ game.
“He's very smart on both sides of the ball. I love his technique on defense, especially at cornerback where he has a nose for the ball,” Blanton said. “He's good at the quarterback position. He was the starting quarterback for 7u all stars. His versatility is a tremendous asset for our team and it makes us even more dangerous.”
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 being unselfish, humble, having respect for others, taking responsibility and being a leader,” Williams said. “I tell my teammates to always be respectful and to work hard at all times.”
Blanton adds that Williams is one of those consummate teammates that every locker room needs to be successful.
“He is a lead-by-example player that sets the tone for the rest of the team to follow,” Blanton said. “When the rest of them see the effort he puts in, it’s contagious for them to follow.”
Williams is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My coaches have helped make me a better player and person,” Williams said. “My coaches teach us how to be a great role model to others and to never give up. My coaches always tell me stay humble big dawg your time is coming.”
Blanton recalls an example of Williams’ capabilities.
“A big play that Tay Tay has made for me is we were down in the all-star game, so I blitzed Tay,” Blanton said. “The running back cut back and ran into Tay Tay. Tay hit him so hard he fumble. Tay picks the ball up and runs as fast as he can to the end zone.”
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 football IQ is a big reason for why he’s so successful on the field,” Blanton said. “He has the instincts and natural knack to be able to read what’s going on before the ball is snapped.”
Williams is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft.
“His work ethic is great,” Blanton said. “He’s at practice all the time. He works hard and gives his best. He was 7-years-old and getting playing time on the 8-year-old team.”
Blanton explains why at the quarterback position he tells Williams to pay close attention to this 5-time Super Bowl champion.
“I tell him to watch Tom Brady when he plays on Sundays,” Blanton said. “That’s a player that uses his mind and intelligence on every play. It’s why he’s won as many rings as he has.”
Williams definitely looks up to the man many deem to be the G.O.A.T. at his position.
“Tom Brady is smart, he's a hard worker, he's very humble and he's a great playmaker,” Williams said. “I want to have the kind of career he’s had.”
Williams is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“I want to become a better person and player as I get older,” Williams said. “I also want to be one of the best quarterbacks in my area but I know I have a long time. So I will continue my hard work and dedication.”
Before the pros, Williams dreams of one day becoming the next great Clemson player.
“I want to play for Clemson because I like when Deshaun Watson was there because he was a great quarterback,” Williams said. “And plus my hometown hero Crezdon Butler played for them.”
Williams lists history as his favorite subject in math.
“I love counting numbers,” Williams said. “Math is very important in the real world.”
Blanton outlines the next areas of improvement for Williams.
“We are working with him getting faster,” Blanton said. “His dad bought ladders and everything he needs to work and get better. I actually saw him running today with his training mask on.”
Blanton believes the sky is the limit as long as Williams continues to stay hungry.
“He has great potential right now,” Blanton said. “At this age you don't see that very often. He is a kid that wants to do it and doesn’t have to be pushed to do it. He tells me he does 100 push ups a night.”
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