3-star ATH Terian Williams II commits to Stanford Cardinal

Johns Creek (Ga.) High School playmaker Terian Williams II wanted to make a 40-year decision with his college commitment.

He did that on Wednesday morning when he announced he’d be committing to Stanford. Williams II chose the Cardinal over his top five of Penn State, Michigan, Texas Tech and Kansas State.

“I’m blessed to choose a program like Stanford,” Williams II said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They get thousands of applicants and can only select a few. Being an athlete and being able to go to a school like Stanford, I know I’ll be set for life.”

Academics have been a big part of Williams’ upbringing. His parents instilled that good grades were a must from the start. Williams has a 3.8-grade point average at the moment.

Williams II admits his desire to attend a school like Stanford really intensified over the last year. He trains with former college and professional players.

Williams II has heard the stories of the injuries that derailed promising careers. He heard how a degree from a school like Stanford could make him attractive on the job market after college and his football career ends.

As his senior year began, Williams II did his research. He found out that Stanford required two AP classes before he would be eligible.

The workload was going to be much heavier than any he’d had in the past. Williams has always been committed to being a great football player. He attends training, 7-on-7, workouts, track practices and football practices during most of the offseason.

To get to this point, there were a lot of sacrifices.

“It’s not easy, but it is if you buy in,” Williams II said. “It’s a sacrifice. I can’t do everything outside with friends. Whether it’s going to parties, or if I sleepover at a friend’s house, I’ve got to be up the next morning for a type of training or something, so I’m leaving early. It’s definitely a sacrifice. It can be done. I’ve learned time management that prepared me for college.”

What sold Stanford on the football field for Terian Williams II?

Terian Williams II has known for a long time that Stanford is where he wanted to be. On his first visit, he knew it was home.

“It’s definitely a 40-year decision,” Williams II said. “A lot of people don’t think about that type of stuff when they make the decision. They think about the fame and glory, but not what is inside the school and the things that you can take with you. A lot of people are in the transfer portal because they haven’t looked at the depth chart or what the school is providing off the field.”

Williams II is expecting to play free safety, but the Stanford coaching staff is aware of his versatility and will look to use it at nickel and cornerback. He will also return kicks.

His proposed role was a big selling point for Williams II.

“It was important to know what role they planned to play me in,” Williams II said. “You want the coaches to be real with you. Coach (David) Shaw, coach (Lance) Anderson and coach (Duane) Akina showed from the jump. They want me. I’m one of the main guys on their board.”