Melik Williams Leading On And Off The Field With 3.9 GPA / 1230 SAT

By Perry A. Farrell
SMSB Editor-in-Chief

Melik Williams is an academic star at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School and his talents on the football field are quickly catching up.

He’s entering his second year with Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) Football Academy, and his exploits in the classroom have been eye-opening.

Last month, SMSB hosted SAT practice testing for their student-athletes; Williams scored a 1230. Co-founder and President Curtis Blackwell labeled Williams an academic star.

“I have a 3.9 grade point average and my goal is to bring that up,’’ said the junior outside linebacker / tight end. “I’m taking three advanced placement courses. I was shocked about the SAT score.

“Academics are extremely important to me. When I got the 1230, I was shocked. I got 1130 when I took the PSAT a while back. I was surprised it went up that much.’’

Williams said the hour trek from Ypsilanti to the SMSB camp on Sundays since December has been worth it.

“My mom (Yoline Williams) heard about the program and thought it would be a good idea,’’ said Williams. “I wanted to try it out because I hadn’t gone to any camps. It has definitely been worth it. It has helped me on the field and in the classroom.’’

Blackwell believed the offers would be coming, especially with Williams’ work in the classroom. “What makes Melik special is he has the complete package. He can run 4.5 (40 yard), has a lengthy frame, is a 3.9 student with excellent test taking abilities along with being a leader on and off the field confirmed by his selection to MHSAA leadership council. I see him going to the IVY league if he desires,“ said Blackwell.

At the next level, biomedical engineering or zoology could be in his future. “Those two things interest me a lot,’’ Williams said. “I feel like as a student-athlete — and a lot of my coaches have said it, the student comes first for a reason. I feel like you need to have your grades together for everything to function with eligibility.

You can’t get into college without having good grades. I feel like in order to be a good college athlete you have to do well in the classroom and on the field.’’

Being named to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Student Advisory Council for this academic school year humbled him.

“Honestly, I was really honored to receive that position because it’s a huge, big deal,’’ said Williams. “I think they pick 16 kids out of all the kids in the state of Michigan. I felt like to become part of that group … It was incredible. I was surprised, but I was glad I became a part of it.” Williams found out in June that he was named to the council.

“They called to see if I wanted to be part of the council and of course I said yes,’’ said Williams.

Motivated by the PSAT score and being named to the advisory council, Williams’ play has improved on the field. While Central Michigan University has shown interest along with Western, Williams’ recruiting resume should pick up.

“Central came to watch Trevor Jones, my teammate who committed to them, and they saw me,’’ said Williams.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 193 pounds, Williams has a 6-7 wingspan and runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, which made him a threat on both sides of the ball.

Williams predicted that the Railsplitters would make noise during the regular season and in the playoffs. “I’m feeling good about our team,’’ said Williams. “I have faith in our team, and I think we can go pretty far in the playoffs and do well there, too. I feel like we’re definitely going to make an impact.’’

He already has in the classroom.


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