Miami football setting precedents for re-commitments

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The commitment of five-star defensive athlete James Williams to the Miami football program on Tuesday night is the fourth player to recommit to the Hurricanes in the Class of 2021 after previously de-committing.

Five-star defensive athlete James Williams’ commitment to the Miami football program on Tuesday night is the fourth by a former de-commit to the Hurricanes in the 2021 recruiting class. Running back Thad Franklin and wide receivers Romello Brinson and Jacolby George also were previously de-commits from in Miami 2021.

Williams initially commited to Miami March 31, 2018, during his freshman year in high school. Just over 13 months later on May 7, 2019, Williams de-commited from Miami as a sophomore in high school. The commit from Williams on Tuesday came unannounced and as a surprise. Williams was projected to sign with Georgia.

All eight of the crystal balls on Williams’ 247Sports profile page projected Williams to the Bulldogs. The cumulative confidence level of Williams committing to the Bulldogs was eight. Williams’ announcement to Miami was a class making commit for the 2021 Hurricanes recruiting class.

The “flip” to Miami was reminiscent of 2020 signee Avantae Williams who had a similar projection to Florida. James Williams should be expected to enter Miami and compete for a starting job immediately. Williams will compete to be a starter at either safety or striker depending on who returns for the 2021 season.

Miami will lose senior safety

Amari Carter

after the 2020 season. Juniors

Gurvan Hall

and

Bubba Bolden

will have the option of entering the NFL Draft after this season. Miami has junior

Gilbert Frierson

and sophomore

Keontra Smith

at safety this fall. Both should return for the 2021 Miami football season.

Brinson initially commited to Miami on February 24, 2019, de-committed November 24, 2019, and re-commited to Miami June 13. George commited June 23, 2019, de-committed November 24 and re-commited to the Hurricanes on June 3. Both Brinson and George de-committed from Miami following the loss to FIU last November.

The initial commitment from Franklin came October 24, 2018. Franklin de-commited from Miami December 9, 2019, and re-commited to the Hurricanes on February 9, a few days after 2020 National Signing Day. The re-commitments from the four very highly ranked 2020 recruits should silence criticism about Miami de-commitments.

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