Minnesota signed Bateman, now they want Williams

Minnesota signed five prospects out of Georgia in their 2018 class, including four-star wide receiver Rashod Bateman of Tift County.

The Gophers would love to get another one from Tift County in 2019. His name is Austin Williams. The 6-foot-4, 306 pound offensive tackle has a Minnesota offer and Bateman is letting him know about the Gophers.

"Rashod is in my ear about Minnesota and he is just telling me it is home there and that it is a good place," said Williams. "He told me that Minnesota really knows how to recruit and the coaches make you feel at home."

PJ Fleck is very active in recruiting and he has already spoken with Williams. Not many others have taken that approach.

"It means a lot to me that coach Fleck knows who I am and has taken the time to talk with me. Out of the other schools recruiting me, I have not talked to the head coach at any of them yet.

"He seems like a good guy. Coach Fleck told me they can use me there, that he likes my talent and that I have a chance to get on the field early there."

Williams felt an "instant connection" with the staff at Minnesota. He is starting to see already some of the reasons why Bateman signed with them.

"They are talking to me the most and the coaches are very energetic," said Williams. "I know it is always about business with coaches, but they seem to know how to make recruits relaxed, they are energetic, they know how to have fun and I like them a lot."

A visit in the spring is likely and Williams may travel up there with Bateman. Having the four-star on their campus next year definitely helps the Gophers out with this South Georgia offensive lineman.

"I like Minnesota a lot and they would be my top school right now. How the coaches are with me and knowing Rashod is going to be there are things that stand out to me. I can't wait to get up there for a visit."