When the Urban Youth Academy starts printing up covers for its next brochure, it had better put Marques Williams on the cover. Because if ever there was going to be a poster child for what the Academy hopes to accomplish, it's Williams.
The fleet-footed outfielder was the last of five Academy players drafted in last week's First-Year Player Draft, selected by the Astros in the 43rd round. Ryan Dent from Woodrow Wilson High was picked by the Red Sox in the compensation round, and Reggie Williams from Bellflower High was taken by the Twins in the fourth round. Marcus Crockett (ninth round) and Ray White (27th round) from Compton Community College were both selected by the Marlins.
But none of the group has a story more compelling than that of Marques Williams. When the Astros called his name, it completed a near-miracle year for the 21-year-old, who at this time last season was just a student at Cal State-Fullerton.
"I really couldn't have imagined all this," Williams said. "This started off as kind of a dream. It feels real good, though. If you look back on everything, it's pretty deep. There are millions of players who don't get drafted. It took a whole lot of help and determination from the people at the Academy."
RealGM Wiretap
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