5-star ATH who seemed like a lock for Georgia surprisingly commits to Miami

James Williams shocks the college football recruiting world by picking Miami.

Georgia football is losing out on five-star athlete James Williams to Miami football.

It was a forgone conclusion that the No. 9 overall player in the 247Sports Composite was going to play his college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. Every recruiting expert had Williams tabbed to play Between the Hedges in Athens. However, the American Heritage School standout opted to stay home and play for the Miami Hurricanes.

Williams credits Miami head coach Manny Diaz and co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Ephraim Banda as huge reasons why he picked The U over the Dawgs.

“They my main two mans right there,” said Williams. “It has been the same with them. Nothing has changed. Since the first day that they offered me, nothing has changed. They have been preaching to me about brotherhood, playing for my city and family.”

While Miami wins big with Williams’ commitment, what happens to Georgia?

For Dawg Nation, this is devastating recruiting news. Williams was one of three potential five-stars Georgia could have added to its recruiting class, alongside dual-threat quarterback Brock Vandagriff. Georgia is still seen as a the presumptive leader for both offensive tackle Amarius Mims and outside linebacker Smael Mondon. Missing out on Williams has to hurt.

While Kirby Smart is tossing his visor to the ground Steve Spurrier style, Diaz just won a major recruiting war over a team he wasn’t expected to beat out. Outside of a good year here and there, Miami hasn’t been The U since 2002 when they lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the BCS Championship Game. Maybe Williams’ commitment is a sign they’re back?

What this really shows is Banda and Diaz have a very strong plan for how to use this five-star athlete. What made Williams such a stud prospect was he could be the next Mike Evans as a physical possession receiver or he could kick into the box defensively and a be an oversized safety like Kam Chancellor bringing the heat. Miami should celebrate, but it’s is a wakeup call for Georgia.

Recruitment has not gone well for the Dawgs this year. They had a few violations earlier this summer and need to figure it out fast if they want to even sniff a top-10 class this year. To think the Dawgs can finish with a top-five class at this point would be about as shocking as Williams committing to the ‘Canes over the Dawgs.

Williams is by far and away the best commit Miami football has right now in this recruiting cycle.

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