JaTawn Williams has been part of a couple of football programs that underwent significant turnarounds during his time. At Greater Latrobe, the Wildcats went from an afterthought to a team that won playoff games in consecutive seasons. Now at Clarion University, he’s helping the Golden Eagles have a resurgent campaign. Williams is under the spotlight in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

During Williams’ freshman season at Greater Latrobe in 2020, the Wildcats went just 2-4 overall, including 1-3 in the conference, missing the WPIAL playoffs.

The following season, Williams contributed one TD for Greater Latrobe. However, the Wildcats again failed to qualify for the postseason, compiling a mark of 3-7, including 1-4 in conference play.

In his junior campaign in 2022, Williams emerged as a vital contributor for GL. He compiled five receptions for 94 yards on offense, while registering 19 tackles and three interceptions on defense, as well as producing two punt returns for an average of 10.5 yards. For his efforts, Williams was recognized as an All-Conference performer at defensive back. Collectively, Greater Latrobe went 7-5 overall, including 3-3 in the conference. In the WPIAL Class 4A postseason, the Wildcats edged Highlands, capturing the program’s first playoff victory since 1968. Greater Latrobe then fell in the quarterfinals against Thomas Jefferson to conclude the historic campaign.

As a senior, Williams racked up 33 catches for 756 yards, added four carries for 65 yards, and scored 14 total touchdowns. Defensively, Williams produced 34 tackles and a pair of interceptions, while he returned 10 kickoffs for an average of 43.9 yards and had four punt returns, averaging 20.0 yards. Williams once again was tabbed as All-Conference at defensive back, while he was named All-State as a kickoff and punt returner. The Wildcats went 8-4 on the year, including 4-2 in the conference. Back in the Class 4A playoffs, the Wildcats bested West Allegheny before narrowly falling against Aliquippa in the quarterfinals.

Williams, who also excelled on the hardwood at Greater Latrobe, matriculated to Clarion University, joining the Golden Eagles as a receiver and taking a redshirt in 2024. That season, Clarion went 3-8 overall, including 1-5 in the PSAC West.

This year, Williams has played in six contests, racking up 15 receptions for 252 yards and three touchdowns. The Golden Eagles have taken a big step forward, compiling a mark of 5-2 overall, including 1-2 in the PSAC West.

Prior to Saturday’s Homecoming clash against Seton Hill, JaTawn set aside time to answer questions about the progress Clarion has made this year, his fondest memory at Greater Latrobe, and the impact that a Derry Area football legend has made on his career.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance thus far this season?

A: I really just take it game by game. I try to do my best every week for my team, and if we get the job done, I am happy.

Q: What did you learn during your redshirt season last year?

A: I learned what it takes to play at collegiate level and how much work and effort you need to put in to be successful.

Q: What is an underrated aspect of your game?

A: I would say my blocking or being able to get open on time.

Q: The team has made significant progress from a year ago. What are the biggest factors in that turnaround?

A: The leadership of the team on offense, defense, and special teams, and also the team has been closer than before. The coaches have also been working hard nonstop to make sure we are prepared each and every week.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for 2025?

A: The team goal is to be the best team and offense by the end of the season. My goal is to just go out on the field and ball out each and every game.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Clarion?

A: From the first visit and multiple times thereafter, it just felt right - interactions with Coach Monica and other coaches. My parents and little sister liked it, also. The dorms were nice and the same with the athletic facilities; a smaller classroom setting, too.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: My major is early childhood/elementary education; elementary teacher.

Q: What has been your most challenging college course so far?

A: Teaching Mathematics for Teachers 1.

Q: You also experienced a big turnaround during your time at Greater Latrobe. What were the keys to that improvement with the Wildcats?

A: Bringing in a new coaching staff gave our team a better mindset for the season. Also, the team was very close and we had very good team chemistry. A lot of us had played together for years, so we all knew what we could do.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: My fondest high school memory is catching the ball that gave me the most receiving yards in Latrobe history.

Q: How did playing basketball benefit your football career?

A: Basketball helped me learn how to trust my teammates; also, to have a competitive edge in everything I do.

Q: Your grandfather is Vince Skillings, a legendary player for Derry Area. What impact did he have on your football career and life?

A: His impact has helped me through football because he tells me what I have to keep doing to strive and get better every day and he’s been there for me throughout my life by supporting and showing up to most of my sport events.

Q: What is your favorite all-time sports movie?

A: Even though I haven’t played baseball since I was 12, it would have to be “The Sandlot”

Q: Who is your celebrity dream date?

A: Megan Fox

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot or a place you've always wanted to visit?

A: My favorite vacation spot is Corolla or Duck, North Carolina.