WEST PALM BEACH – Don’t look now, but Derrick Williams Jr. could emerge as one of best overall players in Palm Beach County at some point.

For proof, all one needs to do is look at the incoming sophomore’s Hudl highlight film from the past season, which was an abbreviated one due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a freshman, the running back was mainly a pass-catching type. In seven games played, he registered 20 catches for 130 yards and one touchdown.

Williams Jr. (No. 15 overall player; Class of 2024) spoke on last season’s experience as a first-year contributor at Palm Beach Lakes.

“My freshman year at Lakes was kinda fun,” the 5-foot-5, 140-pound running back said. “Even though we weren’t winning, we still had love for each other and we didn’t give up on each other in the hard times. We were like a family.”

Throughout the offseason, Palm Beach Lakes (1-6 final record in 2020) has been focused on team bonding more than anything else. This tried-and-true concept enabled the Rams to emerge as Palm Beach County’s unanimous No. 1 overall team in 2019, which was just two seasons ago.

“We just tried our best to keep each other’s head up,” Williams Jr. said. “It’s the only thing we can do in hard times. But this season you will see the same but more.”

Williams Jr. was succinct when it came to his offseason plans to improve his overall game.

“I have been in the weight room,” he said. “I have been training with my quarterbacks to build our chemistry.”

With the fall football season set to start later this month, Williams Jr. is hoping for a breakout sophomore campaign. He is aiming for these following marks: 200+ rushing yards, 10+ rushing touchdowns, 200+ receiving yards, 10+ receiving touchdowns.

“I’m gonna leave it in God’s hands,” he said. “I want to be a leader first and keep my team up even when we’re down. I just want to put myself and Palm Beach Lakes on the map. I know I can with the great team and coaching we have.”