With the Early National Signing period doubling as a way for college football prospects to enroll early and participate in spring practice, most of the country’s top-ranked prospects have already submitted their Letters of Intent.
The Gators do have a chance to boost their ranking – and talent in a position of need – by snagging the No. 1 overall safety in Deland (Fla.) Avantae Williams.
“I don’t know where I’m going right now,” Williams said, with nearly a month left until National Signing Day.
But, Florida has a few important factors on its side.
“It’s close to home, and I like that,” Williams said. “I got a good relationship with the staff, and I can get early playing time at Florida.”
Safety Jeawon Taylor just completed his senior year and is out of eligibility. That leaves just three veteran safeties – juniors Donovan Stiner, Shawn Davis and Brad Stewart – on the roster. And while each of the three has shown the ability to make big-time plays, the consistency is not there.
Adding and developing a Top 60 prospect who stretched the field all night against some of the best players in the country in the Under-Armour All-American Game could be the catalyst for consistency. Williams put together a nice performance with a slew of tackles and a near interception.
Florida has been pressing Williams for years and is still hanging on in his recruitment.
The longtime Oregon commit recently de-committed from the Ducks and is now focusing his sights on the Gators, LSU, Miami, Georgia and Ole Miss.
“I’m coming to UF Jan 24 and Ole Miss the next week. I’m definitely going to take an official to Georgia, and then I’ll figure out my last visit.”
Williams is the No. 55 rated prospect in the nation according to the 247 Sports Composite.