Impact of a Scholarship: William Likely III
Matt Gilpin, Maryland Athletics Staff Writer
8/16/2021
One of the most explosive players in Maryland football history, William Likely III was known for being one of the biggest return threats in the country, patrolling the Maryland secondary and even lining up at wide receiver.
Sitting at or near the top of the Maryland record books in career interceptions returned for a touchdown, career kickoff return yards, total returns and touchdowns, Likely cemented himself as a fan-favorite that was synonymous with big plays.
All the big returns, pick-sixes, splashy plays and touchdowns would not have been possible without Likely’s scholarship, something he still cherishes to this day.
“It meant everything to me to be on scholarship at Maryland,” Likely said. “I came from a small town in Belle Glade, Florida where you basically did the same thing everyday and to have an opportunity to get a scholarship and come to Maryland was amazing.”
I just want to thank the donors. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my family and hopefully they’ll be giving out even more scholarships in the future!William Likely III
Likely’s first taste of College Park came during his official recruiting visit when he was still in high school.
Like a lot of students, the highly prized Likely immediately fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere that Maryland provided.
It was during his visit where Likely envisioned himself not just being a Maryland football player, but also being a Maryland student.
A 2014 Academic All-ACC honoree, academics were always important to Likely because he understood that while football is not forever, his degree and the knowledge that he has is.
“I loved being a student here,” Likely said. “I was a communications major and I really think that helped me become who I am today. It taught me how to speak with people and also how to listen to people. That’s big now that I have my own business.”
That business is a new clothing line called Four Athletica that Likely says presents a “New vibe for Athletic Wear”
Four Athletica’s goal is to create clothing designed for both a sport and casual setting that is stylish, maximizes the wearer's energy and increases their comfort level.
It meant everything to me to be on scholarship at Maryland. I came from a small town in Belle Glade, Florida where you basically did the same thing everyday and to have an opportunity to get a scholarship and come to Maryland was amazing.William Likely III
Likely founded the company in 2020 and is currently doing a lot of the printing, shipping and marketing himself. His hope is to expand his business in a big way this year and has already received good news in that regard.
Thanks to the new name, image, and likeness laws passed by the NCAA, he’s already signed some current Maryland football student-athletes to represent Four Athletica.
One of the key aspects of Likely’s scholarship that allowed him to start his clothing line was the fact that his entire schooling was paid for and he had zero debt after he graduated.
Likely credits that financial flexibility in allowing him to take the risks of starting a professional football career and an athletic clothing business.
“I was lucky to have my schooling paid for but not everyone is,” Likely said. “People struggle to pay back loans for years and that’s not really right. I’m very blessed and thankful to not have to worry about that.”
When Likely wasn’t working on his degree or dreaming up future business endeavors, he was lighting up the football field on a weekly basis.
The torment and nightmares he gave opposing offenses, defenses and special teams’ led to joy and jubilation for the Maryland faithful as they watched him run up and down the field every game.
Some of Likely’s most cherished memories came just playing the game he loved so much with his teammates.
“I loved just playing in those games,” Likely said. “I love playing football and to play in front of some great fans alongside my teammates. I loved every single Saturday.”
Likely’s scholarship embodied all the hard work, sacrifice and dedication that it took him to get where he is today.
A three-sport star in football, basketball and track in high school with many different options, Likely specifically chose Maryland because he fell in love with the area and just knew that this is where he was supposed to be.
As an athlete, a businessman, an entrepreneur and a father to a three-year old girl, Likely will always be thankful for the opportunities he was given by the supporters of Maryland.
“I just want to thank the donors,” Likely said. “It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my family and hopefully they’ll be giving out even more scholarships in the future!”
Those scholarships are currently going to players who are now roaming the halls and rooms of the brand new football facility, Jones-Hill House.
It’s there that you’ll find murals dedicated to past Maryland football stars and adorned on one of those walls is Likely’s smiling face.
Not only is his prowess on the field respected and revered, but so are his leadership skills and his reputation as someone to be looked up to.
“Will has shown the entire team what it means to be great both on and off the field,” senior defensive back Jakorian Bennett said. “We’re all trying to be the kind of playmaker that he was with him being all-conference but we’re also trying to be the kind of guy he is as a businessman.”
Likely is humbled by all the love and respect that he receives from current players and by Terp fans across the world.
If you ask him, Likely just wants to be known as a guy who tries to do the right thing each and every day and to continue to represent the university of Maryland with pride.
“I want to be remembered as a hard worker,” Likely said. “I want to be remembered as a good football player obviously too but I think just giving it your all no matter the result is more important. At least it is to me.”
