Five top ranked uncommitted players Miami football is recruiting
James Williams would be the gem of the 2021 Miami football signing class. With the Hurricanes currently ranked 10th, Williams could virtually assure that Miami finishes in the top 10 in the 2021 recruiting cycle. At 6’5, 218 pounds, Williams has the ideal body size and skills to play football in the current era.
Williams is a hybrid safety linebacker that is currently listed as an athlete. A frequent comparison for Williams has been former Clemson linebacker, Isaiah Simmons. Simmons was the eighth overall pick in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft. Williams would be a perfect striker for Miami.
Miami signed four safeties in the 2020 class led by four-star Avantae Williams. Adding James Williams to the Hurricanes roster would give Miami stellar depth at safety. Miami does not have a safety commited to the 2021 class. The Hurricanes have two cornerbacks currently commited for 2021.
Barton Simmons the Director of Scouting for 247Sports gave a scouting report on Williams who can be an immediate impact player in college. Williams is an ideal player to have on a roster to provide a team with versatility. Williams will be able to switch between safety and linebacker depending on the defensive set.
"One of the most rare body types in the 2020 class. Long, streamlined athlete with a massive safety frame that would more traditionally translate to a box defender. Not bulky. Lean and muscled with continued developmental upside. Despite long levers, shows a smooth backpedal and natural defensive back movement skills. Very effective as a single-high safety playing centerfield and tracking down the football. Good ball skills. Shows some good feel in hole coverage navigating intermediate and middle-breaking routes. Has shown good timing and feel as a blitzer. Has the athleticism to make plays on the football and in run support and still stay on his feet and under control. Effective at wide receiver on the high school level. Active ripping at the football and forcing the issue as a disruptor. Despite overwhelming physical tools, more of a finesse defender. Needs to develop a killer instinct as a tackler. Unique size and athleticism combination gives him versatility to be a chess piece as a traditional safety, linebacker, rover or even a situational edge rusher. Will be an impact Power Five starter that projects as a first round NFL Draft pick that offers versatility that we don’t see every year."
With the players signed in 2020, Miami could go without signing a true safety in 2021. Avantae Williams and fellow four-star Jalen Hodges are likely the future in the backend of the Hurricanes defense. Bubba Bolden and Gurvan Hall will be juniors entering the 2020 season and have the option of entering the 2021 NFL Draft.