Miami football team effort results in Avantae Williams reinstatement

Athletic director Blake James, head coach Manny Diaz and assistant director of recruiting Edwin Pata were thanked by attorney, Michael Etienne for the reinstatement of his client, safety Avantae Williams to the Miami football program on Thursday following charges of felony domestic violence being dropped on August 21.

The Miami football team suspended and dismissed Williams last month after the domestic violence charges. Williams was the second-ranked safety when he signed with Miami in the Class of 2020. After showing promise this spring it’s not clear how Williams will fit into the rotation.

Williams has a lot of time to catch up to his teammates after missing training camp. Bubba Bolden and Gurvan Hall are the projected starters for Miami at safety. Amari Carter seems to be set at striker after being a starter at safety in the last couple of seasons. Miami has depth behind Bolden and Hall.

Five-star freshman James Williams is likely too talented to not receive time in 2021. Brian Balom and Keshawan Washington return for their second seasons with the Miami football program. With nine days until the season opener against Alabama, Williams will have to quickly have to learn what is expected of him on defense.

The news of the reinstatement of Williams was initially reported by Manny Navarro of The Athletic and Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald. Navarro tweeted the above statement from Etienne. No official release from the Miami athletic department has been released about Williams’ reinstatement.

It is not known if Williams will be suspended or if any restrictions placed will be placed on him following his reinstatement. Williams entered the transfer portal following his dismissal from Miami. Miller-Degnan reported that more than 15 programs contacted Williams after his entry into the transfer portal.

Williams was reportedly close to leaving for another unnamed Power Five program. The desire to return to Miami ultimately led to the reinstatement of Williams. Miami was diligent in gathering the facts and gaining the official documents according to Diaz when the charges were dropped before reinstating Williams.