In April, Tennessee was the first program to offer a scholarship to 2019 in-state defensive tackle Kristian Williams, and the Vols continue to impress the Southwind prospect with each visit. The Memphis native has tripped to Tennessee twice this spring, attending the Orange & White Game in late April and then ‘Orange Carpet Day’ last Saturday. On both visits, Williams spent two days in Knoxville, getting a good feel for the campus and city.
“Overall, the visit just went great,” Williams told VolQuest. “The coaching staff showed nothing but love. Just positive vibes only.” Williams’ favorite part of the OCD festivities? “The putt-putt challenge and home run derby because I don’t really ever get to play those sports," he said.
Williams, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound unranked defensive tackle, also holds early scholarships from Ole Miss and Indiana, but the rising junior said he really feels like a priority for the in-state Vols. “I felt as if I was one of the upcoming top prospects and I felt important to them,” he said.
While Williams toured the campus on his first visit to Knoxville, he spent the majority of last weekend hanging with his fellow Memphis friends Cam Jones, Jerome Carvin and Southwind teammate Jordan Davis — all top 2018 targets for Tennessee. “It was fun really being with those guys,” he said. “It was a nice time catching up with your friends because I don’t really get to see them all that much. It was just fun.”
Williams also spent time around Tennessee’s d-line coach Brady Hoke, saying, “He felt like a cool person. Someone that you can be around for your whole college career. He seems like a person who can make you better as a person mentally, socially and physically.” Hoke likes Williams’ power and quick hands, per the defensive lineman. Williams said he's no rush to make a college decision and hopes to visit Tennessee again in the fall.