All State Preps had the opportunity to talk with Rylan Williams, a standout Class of 2029 athlete from John Hayden Johnson Middle School in Washington, D.C., during their recent media day. Heading into the eighth grade, Williams is already making a name for himself as a quarterback.

Williams discovered his love for football at the age of eight, inspired by his father’s passion for the sport. “My dad really loved this sport. He basically just introduced the sport to me, and that’s when I started liking it,” Williams shared. Since then, he has consistently played quarterback, drawn to the strategic and dynamic nature of the game. His favorite professional player, Patrick Mahomes, influences his style, particularly Mahomes' ability to throw the ball from various angles. “I just like his game—the way that he throws the ball at different angles,” Williams said. 

Reflecting on his best game last year, Williams recounted an impressive performance against a Philly team, where he threw for approximately 380 yards and scored five touchdowns. “My best game was against this Philly team. I threw for like 380, had like five touchdowns,” he recalled. His pre-game routine includes waking up, eating, maintaining good hygiene, resting, and listening to music to get in the zone. “Wake up, eat, hygiene, and then that's it. I rest my body by laying down. And then it's go time—I listen to some music to lock in,” Williams explained.

While he occasionally gets nervous before games, Williams remains focused on improving his skills, particularly his ability to escape the pocket and make significant plays. “I’m working on just escaping the pocket and moving around. Making big plays,” he noted.

Beyond the field, Williams appreciates the supportive environment at Johnson Middle School. He enjoys the school's educational offerings, the positive atmosphere, and the camaraderie among students, teachers, and coaches. “I like the education. The vibe's nice. The kids. The teachers. The coaches,” he said. His favorite subject is history, driven by a desire to understand more about the world. “I just like to know about the world,” he added.

All State Preps will continue to keep tabs on Williams this upcoming season.