Former Miami Hurricanes LB makes Rivals All-Time Five-Stars list

Former Miami Hurricanes star D. J. Williams, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2000 class, has earned the No. 14 spot on Rivals’ all-time countdown of top 32 five-star recruits since 2000. The series ranked elite prep prospects based on their high‑school dominance, recruiting hype, college impact and draft slot but excluded any measure of NFL achievements. Williams is the only Miami player to appear on the list.

A native of Sacramento, California, Williams starred at De La Salle High School, where he amassed 130 tackles (87 solo), six sacks, five forced fumbles and three recoveries during his senior season. He also rushed for nearly 2,000 yards on offense in one of the country’s most prolific prep programs.

Miami signed Williams in 2000 amid one of the nation’s deepest linebacker groups. Originally moved to fullback as a freshman, he switched back to linebacker the following year. By his junior season, he emerged as a defensive leader, finishing with 108 tackles, four sacks, forcing two fumbles and recording eight pass breakups.

In his senior year of 2003, Williams recorded 82 tackles (44 solo) and tied for the team lead with six sacks. He capped his collegiate career as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, with third‑team All‑American honors from the Associated Press and a repeat selection to the All‑Big East first team.

The Denver Broncos drafted Williams 17th overall in 2004. Over 11 NFL seasons, including nine with the Broncos and two with the Chicago Bears, he appeared in 145 games, accumulated 897 combined tackles, 22.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and two interceptions. Williams was a PFWA All‑Rookie Team selection and twice recorded 120+ tackle seasons as a centerpiece of Denver’s defense.

Rivals’ top 32 list includes names synonymous with college football prestige: Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Adrian Peterson, Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Jadeveon Clowney, Matthew Stafford, Julio Jones, Myles Garrett and Bryce Young, each ranked above Williams. Although NFL success was not a ranking factor, these recruits had similarly storied high school and college resumes.