Williams finished the 2025 season with 41 total tackles (24 solo), two interceptions, and four pass deflections.

Williams is another technically sound defensive back I evaluated this go-around. He trusts what he sees and consistently puts himself in a position to make plays on the football field. Even at his size, he plays physical, gives great effort, and competes with good timing. 

There are a few plays in his highlights where you can tell he recognizes the route. He has a feel for what’s about to happen and ends up beating receivers to the spot. One of those types of plays ended up as an interception. 

Another play that stands out happens near the goal line. The quarterback tries to get him on a stop-and-go route in the redzone but he doesn’t go for the pump back. Williams stays patient, doesn’t bite on the fake, and ends up in the perfect position to make the play in the endzone. I’m impressed with the red zone reps I watched in his highlights. Whether it’s breaking up a fade from off-man coverage or staying on top of vertical routes, Williams is making a big play. 

Don’t get it confused, though, Williams is not just a cover guy. He’ll show up against the run as well and will occasionally blitz off the edge. 

Williams is another defensive back who’ll need to continue to add strength and maybe some weight to his frame. He can do it all, from man-to-man coverage, zone coverage, and help with run support. 

Darnell Williams Darnell Williams 5'9" | 155 lbs | DB Archbishop Carroll | 2027 State MD proved why he is a weapon defensively, showing the confidence and technique to hold his own on an island against top competition. Time and time again, Williams was trusted in one-on-one matchups near the end zone, where his ball skills and anticipation consistently resulted in pass breakups and timely interceptions.

That level of play earned Williams First Team All-WCAC honors for the second time, further cementing his reputation as a tough defender in one of the state’s most competitive high school conferences. His strong season has also translated to the recruiting trail, as he most recently picked up an offer from USF, with his stock continuing to rise as programs take notice of his reliability, poise, and playmaking ability on the perimeter.

Williams is a cornerback with strong technique, quick in transition, and can be physical when needed. On film, he reroutes receivers, stays disciplined, and makes plays on the ball. His redzone interception stands out because he bumps the receiver, flips his hips clearly, and beats the receiver to the ball for the pick. There’s another goal-line man-to-man play where he plays through the receivers hands in the end zone and breaks the pass up. He’s got some toughness to him as a tackler as well. Looking forward to seeing what his full-season highlight looks like (only first-four games were compiled).