ORLANDO, Fla. — Evans High School's football program has had a long history of developing talented players, with 11 so far going on to play in the NFL.
Senior defensive back Markeith Williams could be the next one to play in the sport’s highest level. and become No. 12.
What You Need To Know
- Evans High School senior Markeith Williams is going to play college football at the University of Miami
- Evans High School has a history of producing next-level players, with 11 so far having gone on to play in the NFL
- Williams is working hard so he can become No. 12
"Throughout my life, I have been playing the game of football since the first day of life," said Williams.
He enjoys playing defensive back, and his favorite part of that position is pretty straight forward.
"The interceptions, I enjoy getting great interceptions and playing great defense," said Williams. "It’s the most funnest and physical position in the game. You have to have real-deal intelligence, physicality and IQ to play defensive back."
In August, Williams decided which college team he wanted to play for.
"I committed to the University of Miami because of the defense, the culture, the history behind the school, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor," he said. "Ed Reed still goes there and talks to the players, inspiring them to be great, you can’t get no better than that."
Evans High School head coach Kenard Lang, also an Evans and Miami alumni, helped in Williams' decision making.
"Coach Lang has been a great man on and off the field leading us to the right direction," said Williams. "He led me on to the U because he showed me if you want to be great, go play the greats."
Even though the University of Miami hasn't lived up to the program's prestige in recent years, Williiams feels he can help push the program in the right direction.
"I feel I can bring the U back to where it was, because they have had their moments where they are good and bad so I feel I can fit into their defense," he said.
While focusing on being a defensive back, it's not the only position Williams plays on the field — he also returns punts and kickoffs on special teams.
"I enjoy being myself, being elusive, showing my acceleration, showing that I ran track at all my years at Evans," he said. "Track has helped me on the football field with my speed, staying in shape so it helped me on the football field because speed kills."