When the Evanston football team gathered as a group just before practices or games, coach Mike Burzawa gave his players time to reflect upon what they were thankful for, and to talk about it. At those moments, senior tight end and defensive end Elyjah Williams usually delivered an inspirational message.
“Everyone listens to (Williams) when he speaks to us and we really take on what he says,” said junior quarterback Drew Dawkins, who lives in Evanston. “Everybody respects Elyjah.”
Williams said his comments sometimes were directed to the team’s younger players about how to prepare for big games. Other times he talked about how a cohesive group can overcome a team of more talented individuals. Whatever the message, Williams said it always came from the heart.
“I think in those moments I really preach family and staying together, (also) doing the little things, like taking care (of) your body,” said Williams, an Evanston resident. “(I speak up) because of how much I care about those guys and how much I care about the team.”
Though not a captain, the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Williams was one of the Wildkits’ leaders.
“He is our emotional leader and did so much for the team chemistry-wise and getting us ready to compete,” said senior linebacker Charlie Krause, a captain who lives in Evanston.
Williams’ high school football career came to an end on Saturday when the 29th-seeded Wildkits lost 49-21 at fourth-seed Homewood-Flossmoor in a Class 8A first-round playoff game.
The game was tied 14-14 in the first half, but the Vikings’ running game proved to be too much for the Wildkits (6-4). Homewood-Flossmoor (10-0) gained just over 400 yards on the ground.
Williams played much of the year at tight end, blocking for senior running back Ben Easington, who gained over 1,100 yards. Williams also caught six passes for 95 yards, including a 25-yard catch against Homewood-Flossmoor.
On the other side of the ball, Williams spent a fair amount of time at defensive end. He finished with 13 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles and a fumble recovery. Memorably, he deflected a pass that was intercepted by Krause in the last-minute of the 42-35 win over Niles West in Week 6. Williams also contributed on special teams as a member of the kick-return team and the field-goal unit.
“He’s a throwback-type player,” Burzawa said. “He’s the type of football player who can do so many things. He’s so versatile.”
Williams said he takes pride in his versatility and the “throwback” label.
“I take it as a huge compliment,” he said. “I work on (pass) routes and speed and strength and am able to block for the run and pass-block, or go up to catch jump balls. They can put me on defense if they need me to play there.”
Williams said he wants to use this week to rest his body and mind after a long football season, and before basketball tryouts begin Monday. He plays power forward.
“I’m not one of those people who can sit around all day and stay in one spot, but I think it’s important to get some rest with basketball being a much longer season,” said Williams, who has received more college interest for basketball than football, including getting attention from multiple Ivy League schools. “It’s difficult coming straight from football and (practically) going right to basketball.”
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
