Miami football commit James Williams compares to former Clemson Star Isaiah Simmons

Five-star defensive athlete James Williams who commited to the Miami football program Tuesday night compares favorably with former Clemson star hybrid linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

The commitment of five-star athlete James Williams gives the Miami football program a versatile athlete on defense to put on the field to defend against a modern offense. Williams has been compared with former Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons who was the eighth pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

Williams has the size of a LB at 6’5 218 pounds with the skill set to play safety or defensive end. Barton Simmons the National Director of Scouting for 247Sports analyzed Williams and concluded that he is adept as a blitzer, in the box against the run, or in pass coverage.

Williams paid homage to Miami football legend Sean Taylor in a Tweet announcing his commitment. The analysis of Williams by Simmons is reminiscent of the abilities the late Taylor had at the backend of a defense. Williams is the highest-ranked signee Miami has since linebacker Arthur Brown in 2008.

Williams is the type of player that makes a class and has an impact on the entire unit defensively. Every player coming out of high school has flaws in his game to work on. Simmons wants to see Williams develop more of a killer instinct as a tackler. Taylor had a chance to backup Ed Reed and learn from the Hurricanes leader as a freshman.

Williams will have the same opportunity from the Hurricanes current chief of staff. Reed was hired by head coach Manny Diaz earlier this year in the position. Part of Reed’s responsibilities will be to help set the culture for Miami, to assist in on-campus recruiting when that’s reinstated and to be a mentor to the players.

"“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."

Williams should be able to come in and make an immediate impact on the Miami defense. Juniors Bubba Bolden and Gurvan Hall will have the option of entering the 2021 NFL Draft. If they return, Williams could be slated to see time at striker. Junior Gilbert Frierson is projected to be the starter in 2020.

Sophomore Keontra Smith is likely to be the backup to Frierson at striker in 2020. Williams would have a good chance to challenge either for significant snaps in 2021. Diaz and his staff are absolutely crushing it on the recruiting trail. The commitment from Williams could have an impact on other highly ranked recruits.

Five-star defensive tackle Leonard Taylor will announce his college destination August 6 and his Palmetto teammate Corey Collier will make his decision known August 10. Diaz had built outstanding defenses in his four seasons on the Hurricanes staff. The future Hurricanes defenses could be even better.