’Canes reel in 4-star defensive end
Chantz Williams latest addition to ’20 recruiting class
Manny Diaz and the Miami Hurricanes have already gotten one powerhouse player from Orange Park’s Oakleaf High in recent years.
Now they are hoping they’re gaining two more.
Early Saturday, Oakleaf ’s Chantz Williams — a fourstar defensive end — verbally committed to Miami’s 2020 recruiting class, joining teammate and friend Jalen Rivers, a four-star offensive tackle, in pledging to the Hurricanes.
Rivers joined Miami’s class last month and the school in Duval County is also the alma mater of Hurricanes linebacker Shaq Quarterman, one of the leaders of Miami’s defense.
“First, I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play football at the next level. Next, I would like to thank all of my family and close friends who have been able to assist and guide me in the right direction, helping me to make this decision, especially my mother, who has made me her number one priority my entire life,” Williams wrote on Twitter announcing his decision. “I want to thank every coach that’s ever coached me in football, basketball, weightlifting and track. I want to thank the Oakleaf community, fans, students, teachers and athletes (including all of my coaches and teammates) for supporting me and making me proud to be an Oakleaf Knight.
“Thank you to every coach from the universities that have recruited me throughout this entire process. I am on track to graduate and enroll early shortly after my senior football season. I want to announce that my recruitment is hereby closed. I am extremely happy to announce that I will be committing to play football and continue my academic career at the University of Miami.”
Williams signed his announcement with the hashtag #TNM,” a nod to Diaz’s famed “The New Miami” catchphrase. Diaz himself subtly acknowledged Williams’ commitment, tweeting a gif with the same phrase from his own account.
Williams, who is considered one of the top pass rushers in high school football, is rated the No. 3 weakside defensive end in the nation by recruiting website 247Sports.com.
The site also rates him the No. 49 player in the nation overall, regardless of position and the seventh best prospect in the state of Florida.
The 6-foot-4, 239-pound defensive end is an Under Armour All-American and has been timed at 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash. A three-sport athlete and member of the basketball team at Oakleaf, 247Sports notes he also broke his school’s all-time shotblocking record last season.
Several major programs including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Michigan, Mississippi State, Oregon and
Notre Dame were among the schools Williams considered before ultimately committing to Miami.
He is currently the second-highest rated player in the Hurricanes’ 2020 recruiting class behind only Miami Belen running back Donald Chaney Jr. and with his commitment, Miami has earned pledges from 22 prospects.
The Hurricanes’ 2020 recruiting class is ranked No. 8 in the nation and No. 2 in the ACC.