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HOMETOWN HERO: Five-Star Williams dedicating senior season to Galveston Ball
GALVESTON BALL’S JONAH WILLIAMS IS A GENERATIONAL TALENT... BUT ON WHICH FIELD OF PLAY?
The senior Galveston Ball hybrid-safety and baseball star is a national recruit in both sports, which is a testament to his upbringing.
“It’s just such a blessing, taking my God-given talent and displaying it out on the field,” he said. “Getting to this point has taken a lot of hard work and dedication, while staying vigilant in honing my skills. Most of it begins with praying to God, because you need Him in your life in order to live out your dream.”
Williams literally has “GOD-FIRST” tattooed on his thighs to convey the faith that he falls back on in pursuit of his goals.
While he has yet to officially commit, the five-star safety/linebacker from Ball has the dealer’s choice of D1 programs to choose from.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I’m hoping to see plenty of growth and development as I move onto college ball,” said Williams. “I’m also looking for a place that will help me become a better man, day in and day out. Those are the main goals.”
His explosive speed, football IQ and brutal physicality are just some of the attributes that make the 2023 District 9-5A-I MVP so sought after.
Not only that, but Williams seems to channel the dual-sport skills of NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders with his consistent first-team-caliber performance on the baseball field.
“I think I have great ball-hawking skills because I play center-field in baseball,” he said. “After gaining so much experience in both sports, tracking the ball has become second nature to me. I’ve tried to model my ability after Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore Ravens).”
Over the summer, there was some cause for concern for G-Ball, given that there were reports of Williams potentially transferring to Florida’s IMG Academy.
However, he ultimately made the decision to stick with the Tornadoes for his senior campaign.
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Galveston Ball FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“I wanted to stay in my hometown with the guys I’ve grown up playing with,” he said. “I know that one day we all won’t be able to share the field together. That just made me want to live it out with my guys one last time.”
In 2023, Ball claimed their second-straight undefeated district title a year ago, prior to being eliminated by Angleton (40-34) in the Bi-District round of the playoffs.
Rest assured, Williams and the Tors will see to it that they extend their season further in 2024.
“It’s going to be about everybody accomplishing what they have set their minds to this season,” Williams said. “Me and the guys need to get one-percent better through each rep in practice, and I hope to help them strive to be great. The end-goal is a long playoff run, but it starts with the little things as we make our way to that point.”
When your best player is willing to put in the most work, something special can happen.
Could it be the Year of the Tor?
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ISLAND BOY: Williams the Next Big Thing at Ball
Galveston Ball’s Jonah Williams has burst onto the scene this offseason as one of the biggest recruits in Texas for the class of 2025.
The talented sophomore was the District MVP last year and since the end of the season has already picked up offers from schools like Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oregon, LSU, USC, Ohio State, and others. Williams also earned a 4-star rating by several recruiting services.
“The recruiting process has been good so far. I know someday I will have to say no to a lot of these school’s so that’s stressful, but it’s truly a blessing to be in this spot,” he said.
Though many see Williams as just a high-caliber football player, the Ball star also is a good baseball prospect that could have MLB Draft potential. Playing centerfield for the Tornadoes this year, he batted .474 with 28 singles, 10 doubles, and 5 triples.
“It’s just a blessing," he said. "Not everyone can play two sports at a higher level.”
Jonah’s stardom is on the rise, but in Galveston County -- the Williams' name is known throughout the Island.
Jonah’s older brother, Nick, was drafted in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft and made his debut with the Phillies in 2017. He is now playing with the White Sox. Williams' other brother, Seth, was the QB for the Tornadoes this year and also plays baseball.
So what’s it like growing up with a family full of athletes?
“There has been a lot of competition,” he said. “I just use it for fuel and not get caught slacking. It’s good knowing they're there to motivate me and compete with me day in and day out.”
Galveston Ball has been home to some elite athletes like NFL stars Charles Alexander, Kimble Anders, Eric Hill, Patrick Bates, Casey Hampton, Derrick Pope and Mike Evans; NBA player Damon Jones and MLB pitcher Brandon Backe. Jonah Williams looks to be the next on the list, but doesn’t want to be the only G-County player to reach stardom.
“I just want to thank God for the position I’m in but I want everyone around me to eat and succeed too, not just myself,” he said. “That’s the main goal, not just me but everybody in Galveston County.”
Williams will be visiting Texas, Texas A&M, Florida and Oklahoma this summer. The rising Junior is primed for a big season next fall, watch out for him on the gridiron.