The University of Hawaii football team received a boost to its defense, securing an oral commitment from a junior college linebacker.
Russell Williams Jr. of Sacramento City College said he will sign a letter of intent on Dec. 17, the first day mid-year transfers may put commitments in writing, and join the Warriors in January.
Williams will have four years to play three UH seasons. He met the NCAA’s academic requirements as a Laguna Creek High senior.
Williams was being recruited by Fresno State, Colorado, Houston and California. But he chose UH because "I have family out there, the beautiful weather and nice program. I just love football. (Hawaii is) a good football place."
Williams is 6 feet 1 and 220 pounds. He was timed running 40 yards in 4.65 seconds as a Laguna Creek junior.
Williams played outside linebacker for Sacramento City, amassing 77 tackles (63 solo stops), 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He said he was told he might compete at inside linebacker in the Warriors’ 3-4 scheme.
"He’s a great kid," said Greg LeCount, Williams’ legal guardian.
Because of a family situation, Williams moved in with Greg and Lydia LeCount when he was 10 years old. Greg LeCount and Williams’ uncle were in the military together.
"I was in the Marines, and it was all about family there," LeCount said. "Being there with his uncle, and knowing the family, that’s why we took him in."
LeCount runs Recreation Plus, a nonprofit, after-school program.
Lydia LeCount, whose maiden name is Silva, is a Farrington High graduate. Greg LeCount coached girls basketball teams at Radford High and Maryknoll School before moving to the Sacramento area.
Lydia’s relatives still live in Hawaii.
"It’s not like (Williams is) going to be over there totally by himself," LeCount said. "And we’ll have a place to stay when we visit."
Williams said: "They’re not my blood, but they’re family."
Williams said he plans to study business or communications at UH.
"He does well academically in school," Greg LeCount said. "He’s a no-trouble, no-nonsense kid. He makes the right decisions when placed in difficult situations. He doesn’t succumb to peer pressure. He works hard. His goal when he came to us was to play D-I football, and his dream is coming true."
