Dandy Dozen: Powdersville running back Thomas Williams is back for more

Powdersville High running back Thomas Williams is No. 3 on the 864Huddle Dandy Dozen, a ranking of the Upstate's top Class of 2023 football recruits. 

Thomas Williams doesn’t go a game without being noticed. Whether it’s on offense or defense, Williams shines brightly wherever he plays.

The Powdersville star and Virginia Tech commit plays running back and defensive back. He’s one of the best athletes in the state and the No. 9 recruit in South Carolina according to 247sports.

Williams had an outstanding season last year and now, as a senior, he’s looking for more.

“Different year, same person, you know,” Williams said. “I’m trying to take that No. 1 spot (for most rushing yards) now.”

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Gifted with ability

“(Thomas) is a fun one to have around,” Powdersville coach Robert Mustar said. “Watching him play since he was in middle school, I mean, it was clear he was going to be a standout type kid given the opportunity.”

Williams has lived up to that billing.

He’s a consummate athlete, so much so that Virginia Tech had two different coaches evaluate where he would fit best on their team.

“Virginia Tech was looking at him as a defensive back,” said Mustar. “Well in the spring, they brought a DB coach up here and talked to me. Very next day, they had their quarterbacks coach vouching for (him to play) the offensive side of the ball. … He is a kid that will unselfishly play both ways. And for us, we’re going to need him to do that.”

Williams was an All-State selection at running back last season. He’s also one of the top defensive backs. According to On3, Williams is ranked No. 61 in the nation at safety.

“He’s just that blessed as an athlete,” Mustar said. “I think athletically, I really don’t think he understands what all he still brings to the table. But that’s part of being humble, right? But I can tell you he’s a special kid.”

A soft-spoken leader

Williams makes a ton of noise with his electric play on the field. But when he speaks, his voice is gentle and cautious.

“I’m quiet. I don’t talk a lot,” said Williams. “You have to get used to me to get me out of my little circle.”

Even with his tranquil nature, Williams is a leader on the team and commands that responsibility.

“He’s more of a lead-by-example guy because he is soft-spoken.” Mustar said. “But the pretty cool thing is whenever somebody needs their attention gotten, he'll get it, he'll speak up. And it's refreshing that he's not talking all the time, you know, because when he says something, as a coach you kind of perk up, like, oh man, we’re ready to go now. And others respond that too.”

Last season, Powdersville fell short in the state quarterfinals after going undefeated until that point. This time around, Williams plans to take the team all the way.

“That’s what I plan on doing this year is leading my team to state,” Williams said. “The times where I see people lack on the field and off the field, or not in the right place at the right time, I’m willing to (say), ‘Hey bro, c’mon bro, wake up.’ I’m really a leader out here.”

Family matters

Williams says his quiet, modest nature comes from things he’s endured with his mother while growing up.

He’s focused on setting her up with everything she’s dreamed of. And to achieve that, Williams just puts his head down and works hard for it.

“That’s all I grind for is to retire my mom,” Williams said. “After I retire my mom, I wouldn’t say the job is finished, but it’s finished with her and not for me. I’ll still have more to get. But other than that, I’ll be happy for her to be retired and not have to work anymore.”

Family is important for Williams, and that can’t be overstated. They’re all in it together.

It was a “dream come true” for Williams to host his college commitment ceremony and share the moment with his family. They’ve helped him get to where he is now, and he doesn’t forget that.

Williams still has a long journey ahead of him to achieve his dreams, but his motives and hunger will remain the same because he’s on a mission.

“We stayed with my grandma a couple of times because we couldn’t find a house,” Williams remembered about times with his mother. “Now she’s got her own place. It’s not a big house, but it’s something to get through. So, from here on out my plan is to get her something big, like how she dreamed of. I know she wants to stay in Cali, so that’s where I plan to move her out to, Cali.”

Joshua Miller covers high school sports for The Anderson Independent-Mail. Have questions, story ideas, scores and stats involving high school athletics? Send them to his email at jdmiller@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter: @NameIsJoshua

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Upstate Dandy Dozen No. 3: Meet Powdersville athlete Thomas Williams