WILLIAMS SET TO TAKE HIS SKILL SET TO ARMY
Francis Parker star says that West Point is ‘a lifestyle choice’
For the most part, teenagers shy away from longterm commitments.
Chris Williams embraces it.
Wednesday at the start of NCAA’s final signing period of the school year, the multitalented, multi-sport Francis Parker senior signed to play football for Army.
“Choosing West Point was a really big decision,” Williams said. “West Point isn’t just a college: it’s a lifestyle choice, a career choice, a total commitment.
“But that’s what drew me in. It’s hard for college graduates to get good jobs. At West Point, I’ll get to play football, and when I graduate, I’m guaranteed a job.”
West Point graduates are committed to eight years of service, a payback for an education that totals $225,000.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Williams rarely left the field while playing for Francis Parker. He amassed 2,682 yards of total offense (1,883 rushing, 532 passing and 267 receiving) with 28 touchdowns while adding 55 tackles with six interceptions, one for a touchdown, on defense.
Willams also did all the kicking for the Lancers, finishing with 34 PATs and three field goals.
“I love being on the field, but there were times I wanted a drink of water,” Williams said. “I could have given up kicking, and it wouldn’t have bothered me.”
Williams had narrowed his college choices to Army, Hawaii, University of San Diego and Utah Tech (formerly Dixie State). He grabbed the attention of the Army coaches when he was named the offensive MVP in one summer camp and the defensive MVP in another.
“I want to play in the slot, and the coaches are cool with that,” Williams said. “So I’ll go to camp as an offensive guy, but if they think I can get on the field sooner on defense, we’ll make the change.”
Army is changing its offense from a ground-andpound, grind-it-out run team to more of a run-pass option, no-huddle attack. Jeff Monken, head coach of the Black Knights, sees Williams as a slot receiver on offense. Daryl Dixon, who coaches Army’s defensive backs, sees Williams as a cornerback.
Williams plans to major in business/finance and has an eye on a future in the NFL.
“If I’m good enough to get a chance to play pro ball, I want to know how to manage my money,” he said.
Williams reports to West Point on June 27, and is intent on not putting in a year at a prep school — United States Military Academy Prep School (USMAPS) — as the majority of first-year players do.
Army’s 2023 schedule includes road games at Syracuse and LSU, home games with Boston College, Troy,
UMass, Holy Cross and Coastal Carolina as well as rivalry games against Air Force in Denver and Navy in Foxborough, Mass.
“I want to play right away,” Williams said. “I’ll be ready when I get there, and we’ll see what happens.”
Williams was a first-team All-CIF selection as a running back. Two other firstteam All-CIF football players signed Wednesday.
Point Loma linebacker
Chase Lowary signed with Valparaiso and Granite Hills defensive back Easton Peterson chose Western Colorado.
In addition, second-team All-CIF offensive lineman Matthew Staycer of Torrey Pines is headed to UC Davis, and Mission Hills secondteam All-CIF linebacker Andy Devine signed with Air Force.