ACC battle brewing for Williams
Homestead (Fla.) defensive end Ricardo Williams enjoyed the final game of his high school career as part of a Dade County squad that earned a 21-20 victory in overtime over Broward County.
"We took it very serious," Williams said. "It was a great game. I went against some of the top players from Broward County. So it was a real good time."
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The 6-foot-5, 210-pound defensive end was pivotal in the victory as he blocked a Broward extra point in overtime, which allowed Dade to win on their next possession when they scored a touchdown and converted the extra point.
"I just knew I had to make a play there," Williams said. "I was able to get off the line pretty clean and I got to the ball just in time."
Williams will now turn his attention back towards his recruitment.
"I have visited Marshall and Texas Tech," Williams said. "I am going to UM (Miami) tomorrow."
The Thundering Herd are still in regular contact with Williams, trying to lure him to bring his talents north.
"Marshall is just showing me a lot of love," Williams said. "They need some defensive ends."
His most recent official visit was to Lubbock, Texas to check out Tommy Tuberville's program. A recent change on their coaching staff has him wondering if he still fits into their plans.
"Texas Tech told me I could play some outside linebacker," Williams said. "But the coach that was recruiting me (Travaris Robinson), he is now at Florida. So I don't know what that means for me."
One school that has made a major move for Williams in recent weeks is nearby Miami. Since the hiring of Al Golden, Williams said he has regularly heard from the staff.
"I have talked to Coach Golden and Micheal Barrow," Williams said. "I am visiting there (Friday) to see how the guys are there and things are there."
"They are real serious about me," Williams added. "They told me I am one of the top names on their board. They want me really bad. Coach Golden wants me to commit now. They are showing me a lot of love."
The three-star defensive lineman was hearing a recruiting pitch from Miami (Fla.) Belen Jesuit Prep linebacker Nick Menocal, a Hurricane commitment, during the South Florida All-Star Game on Thursday night.
At this time, Williams said he still intends to take at least one more official visit before reaching a decision.
"North Carolina will get a visit and I am not sure about the other," Williams said. "I am going to UNC on Jan. 21st."
North Carolina assistant coach Charlie Williams has been a regular in the picture for Williams for months, and that persistence has paid off. At this time, the Tar Heels lead for his services but the nearby Hurricanes are making a major move.
"North Carolina is still on top because they have been on me the longest," Williams said. "I have to show them the love. But since Miami popped up, that has made it even tougher for me. I really am interested in Miami."