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Get to Know Your Orange Man: #8, DB Garrett Williams

The new No. 1 corner for the Orange should turn more heads in 2021

By Christian De Guzman
Syracuse v Louisville Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Name: Garrett Williams

Position: Defensive Back

Year: Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 188 lbs

Hometown: Harrisburg, N.C.

High School: Hickory Ridge

2020 stats: Williams had a breakout season in 2020 with 64 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups (leading the team). His 12 passes defended led the ACC. Williams earned Freshman All-American honors from The Athletic and was an honorable mention on the All-ACC team.

2021 projections: With Ifeatu Melifonwu off to the NFL, Williams takes over as the No. 1 cornerback on the team. There were times he faced an opponent’s top receiver and he did well in that role, but now comes the pressure of being the top guy in Syracuse’s secondary that produced three NFL players last year. You’d think teams would avoid throwing his way, which means Williams will have to produce with less opportunities. Either way, Orange could be looking at another NFL Draft prospect from DBU.

How’d he get here?: Williams got Power Five offers from Maryland and West Virginia, as well as offers from Army, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, and Yale.

What’d recruiting sites say?: Three stars all around.

Money quote: You know that pressure I just talked about above being the No. 1 corner? Williams isn’t feeling it:

“I saw my fair share of number one receivers as it is,” Williams said. “I don’t really see any pressure. I just see it as an opportunity to get better and showcase myself.”

Twitter feed: @garrettismynam3

Tweets of wonder: Only one player has taken a Trevor Lawrence interception back for a TD. That man is Garrett Williams.

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: With most movie reboots nowadays, you either love them or absolutely hate them. The 2010 “Tron: Legacy” film, the sequel to the original “Tron” in the 1980’s, certainly did that. In that movie, Garrett Hedlund plays the lead role of Sam Flynn.

Interesting nugget o’interest: PFF graded Williams and Melifonwu as the seventh-highest cornerback duo in the FBS during the 2020 season. I told you guys they needed to receive more attention for a reason.

Let’s get a look at ya: Nothing better than an edited ‘Cuse hype video:

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