James Williams was named in the “Top 10 safeties in the On3 College Football Impact 300” recently. Williams ranked seventh on the On3 list. The Miami Hurricanes are deep at safety entering the 2022 season led by Williams. Williams is projected to start at safety will fellow sophomore Kamren Kinchens in 2022.
Williams had 31 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and two interceptions as a true freshman in 2021. R.J. Mickens of Clemson is the only safety in the ACC to rank ahead of Williams. The Miami Hurricanes play at Clemson on November 19. Mickens had 29 tackles, 0.5 TFLs and two interceptions last season.
Williams signed with Miami in 2021 as the 15th-ranked player nationally, top safety and fourth-rated prospect in Florida. Kinchens and third-year sophomore Avantae Williams provide Miami with exceptional depth at safety entering the 2022 season. Expect all three to play together frequently for Miami in 2022.
Miami needs to improve after allowing 250.6 passing yards per game in 2021 which ranked 102nd nationally. Another year of experience from the Miami safeties should help the Hurricanes improve overall defensively. Williams is expected to be ready after missing the final two games of 2021 with a groin injury.
"7. James Williams, MiamiA true freshman last season, Williams earned All-ACC honorable mention after making seven starts. He finished the season with 31 tackles, two interceptions and four passes defended."
Williams should challenge to be an All-ACC safety in 2022. Per the On3 rankings, Williams would be first-team All-ACC following the 2022 season. Athlon Sports ranks Williams fourth team All-ACC. At 6’5, 224 pounds Williams is the ideal size to play the new Miami hybrid linebacker-safety position of scout.
Williams is bigger than all of the Miami LBs. The size Williams has will allow the new Miami coaching staff to move him around. Expect by his third season in 2023 for Williams to be a contender for the Thorpe Award honoring the best defensive back in college football. Utilizing Williams will be a key to a successful Miami defense.