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Q&A with Louisiana State Commit SS Nonie Williams (Turner, 2016)

October 9, 2015

Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Nolan (Nonie) Williams (Turner, 2016) is a 6-foot 180-pound shortstop and has recently re-classified as a 2016 graduate, becoming draft eligible next June.  In July 2014, he represented Kansas at the PBR Future Games.  He will be attending LSU after high school.

Williams is a switch hitter with a top exit velo of 93 mph. From the left side of the plate he starts with an open stance, uses a simple, slightly closed stride with a minimal, smooth hand load.  From the right side he starts with a balanced set-up and strides inline with no load.  From both sides he demonstrated good balance throughout his swing and bat speed.

On the infield, he has a 90 mph throw across the diamond with soft hands, quick footwork and quick exchanges.  He long, clean arm action and makes accurate throws. He runs a 6.61 60 and has been recorded at 4.09 down the line.

Williams, who is ranked #42 natiionally, played for Team Marucci Elite last summer and is currently playing for the Kansas City Royals Elite Scout team this fall.  This February, Williams will be attending the Super 60 in Chicago, preparing for the MLB Draft. 

Below is a closer look at what Nonie Williams has going on.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Williams: Once it started it was crazy for awhile until I narrowed my choices to SEC schools only.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Williams: At first I was open to playing close, but I really wanted to go south and play on dirt fields.

PBR: Where did LSU first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Williams: My freshman summer they watched me in Georgia, and that’s when LSU and other SEC schools started following me.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Williams: Riley Pint. He throws 10-15 mph harder than most Kansas pitchers, it’s crazy how fast the ball is on you.

PBR: Describe your experience at the PBR Future Games.

Williams: It was a fun event, there were scouts from everywhere. After putting up some good numbers I received a bunch of letters.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Williams: Try to get on a team that will go play tough competition. The warmer regions have a huge advantage over us here in Kansas.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Williams: I lift weights, take Taekwondo, and lots of hitting.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Williams: The All American Game was a very fun week.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Williams: Arkansas, Ole Miss, and TCU.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular gameor event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Williams: My Freshman summer I went 2 for 3 off of the Evoshield Canes breaking up a no-hitter that Logan Allen was throwing, the stands were full of scouts watching the Canes that night, it was a awesome game.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Williams: Our best player graduated last year, so we need to work hard to
compete this year.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Williams: I play for Chad Raley and his Marucci Elite Team in the summer. The whole team is just amazing and take baseball very serious. My best memories of this team was us beating the East Cobb Astros in a loud bracket game under the lights.

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