The list of Luke Williams’ highlight-reel plays is long, and the space to detail them is finite.

The Naperville North senior dominated on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and safety during his final season in an unprecedented high school career, but one play may stand out.

During a game on Sept. 15, Neuqua Valley quarterback Kiet Truong had an open receiver 40 yards downfield, and his throw was on the money. Williams leaped up and came down with a one-handed interception, his first of two picks in a game in which he also caught a touchdown pass. The play elicited gasps from the crowd.

“I was kind of surprised I made that play,” Williams said. “Then I realized I have to make a lot of big plays like this in the future, so I have to be confident in my skills.”

The Purdue-bound Williams, the 2023 Naperville Sun Football Player of the Year, made the spectacular look routine. Naperville North coach Sean Drendel said that interception against Neuqua Valley wasn’t even the best one.

“As good as that Neuqua one was, he had a better one later in the year, similar to the Neuqua catch but even further up in the air,” Drendel said. “He had another interception that he caught in between his legs. If you blinked your eye, you didn’t get to see something special.”

“Special” is an apt word to describe what the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Williams accomplished at Naperville North. He is the first four-time all-conference player in the 49-season history of the DuPage Valley Conference.

“The whole league, which is pretty amazing,” Drendel said. “He’s a once-in-10-or-20-year type player.”

Williams contributed in nearly every way possible this season. On offense, he had 50 catches for 565 yards and five touchdowns, while on defense he amassed 62 tackles, six interceptions and six pass breakups.

Williams also handled the punting duties, averaging 30.7 yards on 39 punts, and returned punts and kickoffs. He will play safety alongside his brother Zeke at Purdue, but he said his mentality on both sides of the ball is what fueled his success.

“I just feel like it’s my ability to attack the ball,” Williams said. “On defense, my defensive line put me in great position, getting pressure on the quarterback, forcing them to throw a not-so-great pass. Those guys help me make those big plays that I know I can make.”

As impressive as Williams’ physical gifts are, his intangibles may leave a bigger impression on the program. Even after losses, he is polite and thoughtful in interviews and always willing to speak highly of his teammates.

“He’s going to be sorely missed beyond belief, but he’s also left a legacy of what kids want to be,” Drendel said. “I know there’s kids in our program that want to emulate him, and I think that’s the biggest compliment or the ultimate flattery — that people want to be him.”

Williams, who also stars in basketball, said his senior football season was his most enjoyable and he tried to savor his last go-around with his teammates.

“I was just trying to take on that leadership role and trying to give it my all while I’m out there with my guys, my brothers,” he said. “I know that’s going to be the last time I’m going to be out there with those guys. I still have a love for them.

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“It was a great feeling representing coach Drendel and (basketball) coach (Gene) Nolan, all those guys who built me up as a character, not only as a player, in my four years at North. I’m paying my respects and dues to them for helping me out, trusting me by moving me up to varsity freshman year and stuff like that. I’m really giving thanks to those guys.”

Williams said he has a lot of room to improve and is committed to working hard to succeed at Purdue. Drendel said we haven’t seen Williams’ best yet.

“He hasn’t really scratched the surface, even though he’s been really good, because he’s played a lot of basketball,” Drendel said. “I’ll be interested to see just how good he gets at football.”

Drendel will cherish his memories of working with Williams.

“He’s a really polished individual, a lovable kid who kids want to be like,” Drendel said. “That is probably the thing you’re going to miss the most.

“As a head coach, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime type player, and you’re happy you were able to coach him and get to watch just how good he was.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.