John Tyler’s Deandre Williams Accepts Preferred Walk-On Offer + Commits To UTSA

With National Signing Day just five days away, John Tyler 2015 cornerback Deandre Williams has accepted a preferred walk-on offer from UTSA and committed to the Roadrunners.

Williams' commitment was announced by John Tyler head coach Ricklan Holmes, while his preferred walk-on status was first reported by InsideRunnerSports.com.

John Tyler has now has four 2015 players committed to Division I FBS programs. Williams joins receivers Rodney Bendy (North Texas) and Nick Cain (ULM), and defensive end Jassavia Reese (New Mexico State).

Williams, who had been committed to Division II Henderson State, will not count as a scholarship athlete at first, but could eventually earn it before his college eligibility expires.

The Lions' playmaker, who began his senior season at Lindale, transferred to John Tyler following the first week of the 2014 campaign and immediately made an impact in the JT secondary.

Williams finished with 46 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns in helping John Tyler reach the state semifinals for the third time in the last four years.

The JT defensive back burst onto the recruiting scene following an impressive showing at the ETSN.fm/APEC Football Recruiting Combine on June 1 in Tyler. Williams was named the overall Defensive MVP, posting a 4.43 40-yard dash time, a pro agility time of 4.41 seconds and a Keiser squat of 2,620 watts. He also stood out in one-on-one positional drills.

UTSA is coming off a 4-8 season in 2014, its first as a full-fledged member of Conference USA. The Roadrunners, led by former national championship coach Larry Coker, has several East Texas natives currently on its roster, including ex-Carthage quarterback Blake Bogenschutz and former John Tyler defensive back Triston Wade, who is Williams' cousin.