Chaminade-Madonna WR Williams presented All-America jersey

All-America jersey presentation season in South Florida continued Thursday as ChaminadeMadonna receiver Xavier Williams was given his Under Armour All-America Game gear at a pep rally at the school gym.

The four-star recruit committed to Alabama entered through a row of cheerleaders, put on the jersey for the national all-star game and gave a speech in front of family, teammates, coaches and classmates.

“This game is something you’ve been waiting for your whole entire life,” Williams said. “You don’t want that senior year to go by so fast, but one of these things, you just can’t wait to play in it.”

ESPN ranks Williams as the third-best senior receiver in the nation.

“He’s just a high-energy, good-character kid,” said Chaminade coach Dameon Jones, who added Williams has grown in his leadership role. “He goes and plays hard every day in practice. In games, everyone knows what he does there.”

The exhibition will be played in Orlando on Jan. 4 and air on ESPN.

Williams is the latest local prospect to earn national all-star recognition after American Heritage receiver Anthony Schwartz got his jersey on Wednesday. Miami Southridge receiver and Miami commit Mark Pope was also recognized by the All-America Game on Thursday.

A Heritage trio of defenders — cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Tyson Campbell and defensive tackle Nesta Silvera — was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last Friday.

This year, Chaminade is looking to return to the Class 3A state title game — and this time win it. The Jacksonville Trinity Christian team that defeated the Lions last season is now in Class 5A.

The Lions are coming off back-to-back blowout victories over Piper and Blanche Ely by a combined score of 96-0. That followed double-digit losses in two of their first three games to perennial powerhouse programs Miami Central and American Heritage.

“All it’s doing is preparing us for the playoffs,” Williams said. “Get a great run for the playoffs and head back to the state championship.”

Williams, firm in his commitment to the Crimson Tide, said he is focusing on his senior season and doesn’t have any college visits planned at the moment.