Northeast's Heath Williams is 2017 All Area Football Offensive Player of the Year

Heath Williams never thought he'd become the quarterback that led a state playoff-caliber squad at Northeast.

In fact, a year ago, Williams wasn't sure if he wanted to continue playing football at Northeast after he barely saw the field under center.

But with a new coach and a new commitment to stay in shape and push himself to the front of the leadership pack, Williams not only earned the starting QB position last spring, it led to a 7-4 campaign this fall and a trip to the Class 5A playoffs.

He shed the extra weight and is 6-foot, 200 pounds. That, coupled with a strong junior year, has led to Williams being named The Leaf-Chronicle All Area Football Offensive Player of the Year.

"I wanted that leadership role more than anything else," Williams said. "I wasn't sure about being a quarterback. My weight issues had me thinking I might be on the (offensive) line. But I just worked at it and then it all started to come together for me."

It fell in to place during the Week 2 game against McCracken County (Ky.). Williams scored twice in the game as Northeast rallied from a two-touchdown deficit to win 28-20.

"That's when I showed that leadership," he said. "From that moment on, I knew I could play at this level and I knew my teammates would have faith in me and I just tried to maintain that all year."

Williams was a vocal leader as well. He grew into a commanding presence on and off the field.

On the field he produced 2,372 passing yards on 149-of-236 (63.1 completion percentage). He threw for 29 touchdowns and ran for another 193 yards. His quarterback rating was the highest in the city at 118.5.

"His leadership was phenomenal," Northeast coach Chad Watson said. "Once he found that, it was off to the races for him. And we knew he had that kind of makeup and our team needed it." 

Twice, Williams threw for more than 400 yards in a game. He had 412 yards and seven touchdowns in a win against West Creek and threw for 406 yards and five scores in a win against Northwest. And he was named Region 7-5A top quarterback.

"I'm nothing without my teammates and I had some great ones," Williams said. "My O-line was blocking all year and when you throw to Gus (Antoine), Chris (Taylor) and Quinton (Cross), my job is easy. Just get them the ball and let them go."

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.