Senior Signing Spotlight: Malakai Williams

This is the 26th (and last) in a month-long series of profiles of Arizona high school seniors that signed with four-year colleges. Here's the full list (currently totaling 302) of players from within the state moving on to the next level.

SPOTLIGHT: 3/8/20

Malakai Williams scored seven touchdowns in his 30 receptions on offense, but it's on defense that he was recruited at.

The tall (6-5), 205-pound defensive end made his impact on that side of the ball for ALA-Gilbert North with 56 tackles and a team-high six sacks and 13 tackles for a loss.

Williams had recruiting interest or offers from Minot State (N. Dak.), Weber State (Utah), Western New Mexico, and South Dakota State. He was recruited by Idaho tight ends coach Steve Oliver, a Hamilton alum.

"When I signed with Idaho, it was the feel of the school and what they had that sold me," Williams said in an e-mail interview. "I'm most excited to be a part of the Vandal family and take on all the challenges."

The first challenge for Williams is that he won't be heading up to Moscow (Idaho) right away. The agreement when he signed was that of a grayshirt. That means he will wait a semester to become a part of the team. So, he'll stay in the Valley, do his best to remain in football shape, and head up to Idaho in January for the spring semester (on full scholarship). He will still retain his full four years of eligibility (over five seasons).

The American Leadership Academy Gilbert North campus has fielded a team for three seasons and Williams was a part of all of them. The Eagles have compiled a record of 23-10 and won their first playoff game as an AIA member last season. The team was in the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) in 2017.

"The frame of mind the coaches implant on us is to always have a go-heavy attitude that motivates us to do our 100 percent," Williams said.

It was a ball-hawking defense for ALA-Gilbert North. The Eagles picked off 20 passes last season with eight of them returned for touchdowns.

Williams contributed one of those during a 38-6 victory over Arizona College Prep last October.

Here's a look at him during drills from last Spring.

Despite having that size and posting numbers playing on both sides of the ball, Williams had to exhibit patience in his recruiting. It wasn't until January that he received that offer from Idaho. He played his senior year out to prove himself to the bigger colleges.

"It only made me go harder and play better in every situation," Williams said. "It made me feel like no one wanted it more than I did."

Being one of the first from the school to move on the college ranks is a distinguished honor. Williams is appreciative for the lessons he's learned both on the field and off of it.

"I would like to say thank you to the ALA family for teaching me what it means to want more in life," Williams said. "And to my family, thanks for being my No. 1 support system."

Idaho finished 5-7 last season with the last game being a wild, 60-53 overtime win in Flagstaff over Northern Arizona. Freshman Hayden Hatten (a Saguaro alum) had five catches and scored his first two touchdowns. The Vandals had 738 yards of offense, including 491 through the air. UI will hold its Silver & Gold Spring Game on April 17 in the Kibbie Dome. That is also the site of the home opener on Sept. 5 against Western Oregon.