An Interview with Eric Williams

OverThePylon was exceptionally fortunate in getting a chance to touch base with incoming BSU recruit Eric Williams. Williams, a 5'11" Warren Central running back who also happens to be the cousin of one MiQuale Lewis, runs a 4.6 40 and looks to carry on the great excellence at tailback that his distant gene pool has created. Williams turned heads left and right over the winter as he selected BSU over BCS conference schools, and did so in the midst of a coaching change and the high level of uncertainty and doubt that most recruits feel amidst the change over.

OverThePylon: Much has been made about the fact that you chose Ball State over major BCS conference schools. Aside from your cousin, Miquale, what were some of the reasons that led you to BSU?
Eric Williams: The main reason I chose Ball State is the atmosphere. Its close to home and it was a top 25 school which presented itself to me as an opportunity to play as a true freshman. Also, to better myself around the person who I really learned every thing i know from and that's Quale.

OTP: Speaking of MiQuale, the backfield for the Cardinals is going to be quite a crowded spot next year. Are you hoping to compete for a spot in the rotation? Is redshirting something that's being considered?
EW: There are a lot of backs at Ball State. Some have attributes I don't but I have attributes that most of them don't have. I'm more of a slot receiver type running back. I like to bail out the quarterback, keep him safe, and make his completion number go sky high. As for me in the rotation, it has been talked about but I have to prove myself first and that's what I intend to do is prove why I deserve to be on the field as a freshman.

OTP: When Coach Hoke was transitioning out of that role in Ball State, what was it like as a recruit? Were you concerned about the direction of the program or the ability to maintain success?
EW: When coach hoke left my respect for him never changed but his word became nothing more but an open statement to me. The day before he left he had gave me his word that he would be staying, then the next morning he left. At that point I was gonna decommit and take my offer at the University of Louisville, but I realized that Coach Hoke didn't recruit me and make my feelings for Ball State what they were. It was Coach Stan Parrish, and most of all, Coach Eddie Faulkner.

OTP: This incoming recruiting class has been widely heralded as the best class in years at BSU. Have you had any contact with other incoming recruits? Is the class going to gel?
EW: I haven't really gotten to know any of the other recruits but when i get to school I'm hoping to have a nice relationship with my teammates to make this class what it is expected to be... the best class.

OTP: Most of our readers know quite a bit about your football prowess on the field. Any hobbies or talents off the field that would surprise some folks?
EW: I'm not really a video game type guy. I enjoy playing and reading and playing with my niece and nephew. Also I coach my siblings and keep my head on straight in order to show them that they can do it too.

OTP: Be honest, now... who's a better running back? You or your cousin?
EW: All kidding aside, Quale is the better running back. He is more experienced and I'm still catching up, but i think my break away speed and will to hit is more up than his.

OTP: Anything to say to the Cardinals fans who will have the privilege of watching you over the next few years, Eric?
EW: To all the Cardinals out there who know me and who don't, I'm here to improve Ball State football and before I leave I will have a MAC Championship and hopefully a Heisman trophy!

A big shout out and many thanks to Eric, and here's to watching this young man run roughshod over the MAC! And you can bet that OTP will be championing his cause when it comes time to fire up the hype wagon.