Canes Noles lead for LB

Junior To Watch: Willie Williams

School: Miami (Fla.) Carol City

Position: Linebacker

Size and speed: Williams is 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds.

Honors: As a junior Williams was named first team all-Dade as well as first team all-state. As a sophomore he earned second team all-Dade honors.

Statistics: In the 2002 season Williams recorded an amazing 218 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four fumble recoveries, four interceptions and broke up 10 passes.

Favorite schools: Miami, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Auburn, Michigan and Georgia.

Skinny: Williams is undoubtedly one of the Sunshine state's top prospects and could make a claim for the top linebacker in America. With incredible speed he has offers to major programs across the nation.

"I've been offered by all my favorites, plus schools like NC State, Pitt, Maryland and a lot of others," said Williams. "Basically every major school in the country has either offered or is after me really hard. I grew up watching Miami and Florida State, and they're both on my list. The fact that they're so close to home would be important for my family. But I'm keeping my options open."

Williams possesses almost unheard of speed for a linebacker, running the 40-yard dash in just over 4.4 seconds.

"When I'm on the field I'm just fast and furious," said Williams, who coupled his speed and quickness with an excellent frame last year en route to all-state honors.

Williams carries a 3.0 GPA and will take the SAT in May. He has a sister at Florida State, which may bode well for the 'Noles.