After Jeremiah Williams famously told the Gator Nation that he was 15,000-percent committed, he eventually became the second-highest-rated member of the 2021 signing class. With enrollment on the horizon, the 6-foot-3, 224-pound linebacker/defensive end is a favorite to carve out some freshman-year minutes.
Many predicted the Birmingham (Ala.) Ramsay linebacker would stay in state for college, but Williams told Inside the Gators he actually wanted to get out of the state. In this edition of Getting to Know, we got an inside look at Williams’ cheerful personality, what makes him a good player, and more.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
Take us through the process that led to your commitment. What was that experience like for you?
”Well growing up, I always thought you could go to college for free and just pick whichever one. I didn’t know you had to get offers. When I got offers, I didn’t even know what it was. When I got my first offer from UAB, my cousin told me I had to post it on Twitter, so I posted it with no picture, no nothing and he told me to redo it. After that, I just got more and more and I learned how to do it right.
When I got down to my final four, we couldn’t take any visits, so I had to go off to campuses I’d been to and coaches I connected with. Basically, it came down to Coach C-Rob [Christian Robinson]. I trust him a lot and we talk a lot, but never talk about the same thing twice. I like the coaches a lot, and I really like Coach [Dan] Mullen. I want to get out of the state, and I want to make a second home in Florida and build my network.”
Which school came in second for you? Why?
”It was down to Auburn and Georgia. [Former Auburn Coach] Gus Malzahn is one of the coolest coaches you’ll ever meet. I’d get playing time, it’s close to home, you know. At Georgia, Coach [Glenn] Schumann is a real cool dude.”
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
”For one, my football IQ. And then I bring explosiveness. You can use me in the box, outside the box, I don’t care. I’m not a complete player, but I can get to be a complete player. I’m dedicated.”
Who is the prospect that you have talked to the most from the Class of 2021?
”Donovan McMillon, Chief Borders and Mohamoud Diabate.”
—–
- Getting to Know: Class of 2021 Signees Newsfeed
- Getting to Know: Class of 2020 Signees Newsfeed
- Getting to Know: Class of 2019 Signees Newsfeed
—–
PERSONAL
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
”Probably a house that’s close to the team facilities.”
What is one item that you cannot live without it? Why?
”My game.”
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life? Why?
”My granddad. He raised me since I was little. He’s the one who got me into football. He’s the one who took me to my little league games. I actually don’t think he’s ever missed one of my games. He’s my biggest supporter.”
What are your favorite types of music? Do you have a favorite artist or song?
”Hip hop, and my favorite artist is Polo G.”
What is your favorite movie?
”As of now, it’s Cars.”
If you could meet one person in the world, who would that be?
”Bill Gates.”
If you a chance to go on a dream date, who would it be with?
”I’m gonna say Lauren London.”
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
”In the NFL, graduated from college.”
What are three things on your bucket list?
”I want to be the first defensive player to win the Heisman.”
”I want to retire my whole family.”
”Play in the NFL.”
What is one thing about you that the Gator Nation would be surprised to find out about you?
”I don’t like Thanksgiving food.”