Miami football making right decision being methodical re: Avantae Williams reinstatement

The Miami football program is taking its time to determine if and when safety Avantae Williams could be re-instated. Williams was dismissed last month following felony domestic violence charges. Those charges were dropped on Friday. Head coach Manny Diaz said they are trying to get all the official documents.

Williams’ attorney Michael Etienne told the Miami Herald they have reached out to the Miami football program about the possibility of him being reinstated. Etienne reiterated Diaz’s comments that a judgment on Williams’ reinstatement is awaiting the decisions makers. Williams was a 2020 signee as the second-ranked safety.

Miami enters the 2021 season with exceptional safety depth. Fourth-year safeties Bubba Bolden and Gurvan Hall return as the projected Hurricanes’ starters. Amari Carter who is entering his fifth season has been starting safety for Miami frequently during his career. Carter has been moved to striker for the 2021 season.

Miami signed five-star safety James Williams in 2021. The Hurricanes also have Brian Balon, Kamren Kinchens and Keshawn Washington. Avantae Williams sat out last season due to an undisclosed medical condition. If Williams returns for 2021, bringing him along slowly could benefit him on and off the field.

"“I cannot overstate that the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office did the right thing here. Now our priority is to get Avantae back into school playing the sport that he loves…We reached out (Saturday) morning to the University of Miami to see if they could get him reinstated.Compliments to Coach Edwin Pata, the assistant recruiting director, who cared enough to reach out to me and ask me to do everything I can to give Avantae a fighting chance….We’re still waiting to hear back from UM.That’s exactly what were told yesterday (Sunday), that they’re basically waiting for the decision-makers to make the decision, We’re not entirely sure who the decision-makers are, but we’re still waiting for an official response."

The above comments are encouraging that a decision to at least consider Williams being reinstated will be considered by the Miami administration. Diaz did not disclose who the decision-makers are who will determine Williams’ reinstatement or he was aware of the decision-makers.

Avantae Williams is potentially a key part of the future of the Miami defense. The Hurricanes beat out Florida to sign him. Miami signed one of the top two safeties with Avantae and James Williams in the last two classes. Carter is in his last season of eligibility in 2021. Bolden, and Hall are all likely to enter the 2022 NFL Draft.

Entering 2022 spring, safety is likely to be one of the most highly competitive positions. The two Williams are likely to enter Spring 2022 as the favorites to become the first-team safeties. If Avantae Williams returns to the Miami football team, the decision-makers will have done their diligence.