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When rating a quarterback’s abilities, the discussion often turns to arm strength, field vision and intelligence.
While all those traits are crucial for a successful quarterback, Matt Williams believes the most important intangible is something that most people don’t see.
“If you have your feet, everything comes from that,” the Geneva junior quarterback said.
Watching Williams play, it’s hard to believe that there was a time when his footwork was anything less than exceptional. He’s a standout athlete, yet proper footwork was something he had to work at.
“The feet were the hardest thing I had to learn, with five-step drops and three-step drops and everything,” he said. “But over time it developed. I had a lot of good coaches and a lot of good guys helping me.”
In his first year as a starter, he’s shown that his footwork is up to speed. On several occasions he’s been able to prolong a play because of his scrambling ability, and that roadrunner-like footwork has added a dimension to the Vikings’ running game as Williams has rushed for seven touchdowns in addition to the 10 he’s thrown for. His scrambling ability is something he takes pride in.
“I’m good at getting out of the pocket when there’s pressure and getting away from the rush,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to stay on your feet and beat guys downfield.”
Training with Chris Browning at ProForce Sports Performance in Batavia during the offseason helped Williams prepare for this season. So too did a season of varsity ball last fall during his sophomore year.
“This year, having been a wide receiver last year, I knew the speed of play and I knew the offense,” he said. “I played quarterback in the junior varsity games and I was able to take (quarterback) reps in practice, so it wasn’t took difficult to step in this year.”
The first two games of the season — losses to Rock Island and Morgan Park — were tough to swallow. But since then, the Vikings have found their stride and again look poised for a successful postseason.
“The first two games didn’t turn out how we wanted them to,” Williams said. “But the last few games we’ve played well. The offensive line has been getting a great push up front and the defense has been making big stops.
“We’re playing well together as a team.”
5 favorites
CLASS Psychology
MUSIC Anything with a good beat — country, rock, rap
FOOD Chicken alfredo
MOVIE Both “Iron Man” movies
PRO PLAYER Peyton Manning or Michael Vick
When rating a quarterback’s abilities, the discussion often turns to arm strength, field vision and intelligence.
While all those traits are crucial for a successful quarterback, Matt Williams believes the most important intangible is something that most people don’t see.
“If you have your feet, everything comes from that,” the Geneva junior quarterback said.
Watching Williams play, it’s hard to believe that there was a time when his footwork was anything less than exceptional. He’s a standout athlete, yet proper footwork was something he had to work at.
“The feet were the hardest thing I had to learn, with five-step drops and three-step drops and everything,” he said. “But over time it developed. I had a lot of good coaches and a lot of good guys helping me.”
In his first year as a starter, he’s shown that his footwork is up to speed. On several occasions he’s been able to prolong a play because of his scrambling ability, and that roadrunner-like footwork has added a dimension to the Vikings’ running game as Williams has rushed for seven touchdowns in addition to the 10 he’s thrown for. His scrambling ability is something he takes pride in.
“I’m good at getting out of the pocket when there’s pressure and getting away from the rush,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to stay on your feet and beat guys downfield.”
Training with Chris Browning at ProForce Sports Performance in Batavia during the offseason helped Williams prepare for this season. So too did a season of varsity ball last fall during his sophomore year.
“This year, having been a wide receiver last year, I knew the speed of play and I knew the offense,” he said. “I played quarterback in the junior varsity games and I was able to take (quarterback) reps in practice, so it wasn’t took difficult to step in this year.”
The first two games of the season — losses to Rock Island and Morgan Park — were tough to swallow. But since then, the Vikings have found their stride and again look poised for a successful postseason.
“The first two games didn’t turn out how we wanted them to,” Williams said. “But the last few games we’ve played well. The offensive line has been getting a great push up front and the defense has been making big stops.
“We’re playing well together as a team.”
5 favorites
CLASS Psychology
MUSIC Anything with a good beat — country, rock, rap
FOOD Chicken alfredo
MOVIE Both “Iron Man” movies
PRO PLAYER Peyton Manning or Michael Vick
