TIM MORSE: Monroe’s Ulysses Williams could be a star in making

ALBANY — The city of Albany has never been short on producing professional athletes. From Lionel James to Deion Branch to Ricardo Lockette just to name a few, many Albany players have gone on to the bright lights in the big city.

And played on Sunday.

Those guys had to start somewhere.

And they excelled in high school, then college before serving as entertainment on Sundays.

Many more local standouts are drawing interest from Division I colleges this year. From Westover’s Montravious Richardson and William Green, whom have both received major college offers, this city won’t be short on a Division I athlete signing with a college come National Signing Day in February.

But there is one athlete recruiters should take notice of — Monroe’s Ulysses Williams.

This kid is a star. Think a younger A.J. Green. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Williams needs to bulk up some. But the abilities he possesses, one can’t coach. You can teach technique and plays, but you can’t teach speed, great hands and sheer athleticism.

On Monroe’s opening possession Saturday night in a 12-0 victory over Westover, quarterback David Dillard heaved a long pass downfield for Williams. The senior, well covered by defensive back Cedric Jones, made a highlight reel-catch worthy of a SportsCenter Top 10 play. And even if Westover came up on the short end of the stick, they still had to applaud the catch.

Williams leaped into the air and hauled down the pass, setting the Tornadoes up with a first down.

I have no idea these days what college recruiters are looking for but this guy sure appears to be a slam dunk. He has excellent speed and quickness, soft hands and there are players who look good in a uniform. If the Monroe High School football team held a fashion show, Williams would be an expert on how to dress with just the right football accessories.

But seriously, every time this guy touches the ball, you get the feeling something special is about to happen. It did against Westover. Williams accounted for both touchdowns as he nearly finished with 100 yards receiving. The stats don’t do this kid justice.

Monroe coach Charles Truitt admitted after the game that Williams is a special player. After all, Williams was the team’s starting quarterback last season before moving back to wide receiver this year where he said he was more comfortable.

“He is the main player on our offense,” Truitt said. “We have to get him the football. He makes things happen for us and we will have to continue to get him the ball.”

I remember during the basketball season when Monroe was struggling to fight off Fayette County in a second-round game. Williams launched an attempt just inside the 3-point line that swished through the net, pumping up the players and the fans. He calmly clutched his fist, then went back to work.

I know this kid is going to draw more double coverage as the season progresses. But somehow, I think he’ll be fine.

And I think Monroe, despite losing a pair of Division I prospects to transfers, will be just fine — at least if they can figure out a way to get the ball in Williams’ hands.