Williams has two on top

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) University School defensive tackle Patrick Williams was once committed to Buffalo, but now says that they are basically out of the picture.

"I appreciate Buffalo because they offered me, but I am just going another way," Williams said. "I just feel I have better options for me and my family. When Buffalo offered, they were my first offer, and I was really excited but I was more focused on football than academics. They really don't have the right academics for medical school like I wanted."

With Buffalo out of the picture, the 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle says that two schools have moved to the top for his services.

"It is really between Middle Tennessee State and Northern Illinois right now," Williams said. "Right now I am leaning towards NIU because I like the coaches and I know players that go there. I also like the coaches at Middle Tennessee, so it will probably come down to the visits and where I feel is right for me."

He plans to visit Middle Tennessee (Jan. 14th), Florida Atlantic (Jan. 21st), and Northern Illinois (Jan. 28th) before reaching his final decision.

Williams talked a bit about the Huskies and why they have made a major move for his services.

"NIU offered me over the winter break, I think it was last Tuesday," Williams said. "I had been in some contact with them over the summer but during the season they were focusing on their season and we kind of lost contact, but they jumped back into the picture and finally gave me an official offer last week."

"I have a good relationship with the defensive line coach and what got me really excited is they have good academics," Williams added.

The hiring of Dave Doeren at Northern Illinois also made an impact.

"I always liked Wisconsin, so for them to add a Wisconsin coach as their new head coach is a real good thing," Williams said.

The two-star defensive tackle said that he knows when he will announce his final decision.

"I am going to announce it on February 1st, my mom's birthday," Williams said.