Miami football not in top three for five-star Canes de-commit James Williams

Five-star 2021 safety James Williams from Opalacka Western who was committed to the Miami football program through May 2019 did not include the Hurricanes in his top three on a Twitter post on Saturday.

Five-star 2021 safety James Williams who was committed to the Miami football program through May 2019 announced that Alabama, Clemson and Georgia are his top three choices for his college destination. Williams is the fifth-ranked player overall, the top-rated safety nationally and the top-ranked player in Florida for 2021.

At 6’5 218 pounds, Williams would be the ideal striker in the Manny Diaz, Blake Baker defense for the Miami football team. At Clemson, Williams could be used similarly to Isaiah Simmons. At 6’3 230 pounds Simmons is the perfect size for the hybrid type player that NFL teams are looking for. Williams is in the same build and skill set.

Miami signed four safeties in the 2020 class. At a player with Williams’ size and skill is an upgrade for any defense. Four-star Jalen Harrell at 6’2 180 pounds is the biggest safety signee for Miami in 2020. Avantae Williams is highly touted but at 5’11, 170 pounds is nowhere the same size as Williams.

The Hurricanes have also added three-star safeties Keshawn Washington and Brian Balom. Miami returns junior safeties Gurvan Hall and Bubba Bolden and senior Amari Carter. Safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator Ephraim Banda is leading the recruitment of Williams for the Miami football program.

The Hurricanes have ten months to try and get a recommitment from Williams. Avantae Williams originally committed to Miami flipped to Oregon, de-committed from the Ducks, was unanimously projected to sign with Florida per the 247Sports Crystal Ball and eventually wound up back with Miami.

The 2021 Miami recruiting class is currently ranked fifth in the country and second in the ACC behind Clemson. Three-star cornerback Tim Burns is the only defensive back currently committed to the Hurricanes for 2021. Miami is currently significantly behind Florida for fourth in the 2021 recruiting cycle.

James Williams would significantly boost the 2021 recruiting class. If Miami received a commitment from Williams they would remain fifth but would very close to the Gators. Anything can happen between now and 2021 early national signing day in November. The Hurricanes have already added a de-commitment for 2021.

Four-star running back Thad Franklin de-committed from Miami in December and recommitted earlier this month. Continuing to add more talent to their 2021 class will be a big boost to the Miami football program recruiting the top uncommitted players for 2021.