Nations top OLB speaks out

The nation’s top-rated outside linebacker is receiving that special attention afforded players of his stature, and it’s having an impact on his recruitment.

“I’ve got a ton of calls this month. It’s just about been every school in the USA at one point or another,” said five-star Miami (Fla.) Carol City backer Willie Williams. “But the ones that stand out have been the Florida Gators, UM, Florida State, Oklahoma, N.C. State and Auburn. They’ve been recruiting me the hardest.

“I talked to coach Coker, coach Bowden, coach Zook, coach Tuberville and coach Stoops here lately. There’s been a couple of others. I like it when the head coach calls. That tells me a lot when they take the time out of their day – where you know how busy they are – to talk to you. A lot of schools don’t have their head coach call. The ones that do tell me how important I am to them.”

A member of the Rivals100 Team, Williams (6-2, 225, 4.42) has scholarship offers ranging from one corner of the country to the other. Beyond singling out the schools who have recruited him the hardest, however, he’s not giving many hints as far as his possible college destination.

“It’s just too early to say,” he said. “Right now, I’m just trying to figure out which ones to visit. I think I’m going to have those set in the next week or two.”

Williams visited Miami for the Florida game. He also plans to attend the FSU-Miami game on Oct. 11 “and maybe a couple of others.” The Hurricanes are considered by many close to the Williams recruitment to be the team to beat, but the Seminoles have also looked solid along the way.

Carol City is 4-0 this season as Williams tries to work himself back into game shape. He was temporarily ruled ineligible after transferring in the offseason, but won an appeal to play.

“I’m trying to learn the defense and help any way I can,” he said. “I’m playing a little here and there and trying to help with special teams. I’m about ready to start playing more.”

As a junior, Williams recorded 218 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 pass break-ups, eight sacks and four interceptions.

Academically, he maintains a 3.0 GPA and is awaiting his test scores.