Not only did head coach Gary Andersen secure a birth in the Big Ten championship game with a win over Minnesota last Saturday, he also earned a commitment from his first prospect in the 2016 class.

During a post-game moment with Andersen, running backs coach Thomas Brown and Heisman hopeful Melvin Gordon, four-star running back Antonio Williams pledged to Wisconsin during his unofficial visit to Madison.

"I've actually been committed since Saturday," Williams told BadgerBlitz.com. "After the game I was hanging out with Melvin Gordon and coach Andersen walked by us. We were all together and that's when I told him the news.

"Ever since then I've been trying to connect with the running backs and trying to build a relationship with all the guys on the team. I've been talking to more and more coaches on the staff and it's just the perfect fit for me."

Williams, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound junior from New London (NC) North Stanly, had high praise for his future coaches.

"Both of them were very excited after I committed," Williams said. "Coach Andersen and coach Brown both gave me a huge hug and it was a great moment. I've never met a coach as passionate about his players as coach Andersen. And during the process, coach Brown and I built a great relationship and I loved my visit up there. I think that solidified it. He (Andersen) truly loves every one of his players and wants the best for them."

Williams, who chose UW over offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Auburn and Georgia, among others, made his commitment public Thursday evening. And though it's extremely, Williams anticipates being the only running back for the Badgers in 2016.

"We pretty much made an agreement that I'm the only running back they're going to take in this class," Williams, who finished his junior season with 2,852 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, said. "With that, I'm going to completely shut down my recruitment and this will be my final decision.

"They're not going to recruit any more running backs and I'm not going to be in contact with any other schools."

With roughly 14 months before the 2016 class is able to sign a letter of intent, Wisconsin fans may be a bit worried about hanging onto Williams' pledge, especially after his prior decommitment from North Carolina. According to Williams, there is nothing to worry about.

"I don't think Wisconsin fans need to worry at all," he said. "I'm a running back and Wisconsin is the No. 1 school for running backs in the country. They have the greatest school and the greatest fans in America, so why would they have anything to worry about?"

Being the first for the Badgers in the junior class, Williams, who plans to enroll early at UW, is more than ready to take on the responsibility of lead recruiter on the ground for the coaching staff.

"I've already been talking to some players and have been talking to Ben Bredeson, because I want great linemen in front of me," Williams said. "I've been talking to some quarterbacks, some wide receivers and some defensive players, too. So I've already started that process.

"I'm actually going to enroll early, so I'm getting there as soon as possible. It feels great and I'm able to focus on school. I'll be the point-man for the 2016 class and guys can run any questions off of me about Wisconsin. That will allow me to be the best I can be in high school and the best I can be in college at Wisconsin."

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