Out-of-state 4-star linebacker talks recent Miami Hurricanes offer: ‘Miami will be in my top schools’
With over 30 offers Washington (D.C.) St. Vincent Pallotti linebacker Gabriel Williams is one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the country, and the Miami Hurricanes became one of the latest programs to offer the four-star linebacker. After conversations with Hurricanes linebackers coach Derek Nicholson, Williams picked up an offer he had long awaited.
“It was surprising because I had been trying to get in contact with them for a while,” Williams told CanSport. “Sean Taylor was my favorite football player ever, so it was a good feeling getting that offer from Miami.”
Nicholson, who joined Miami’s staff from Louisville after the 2022 season, praised Williams, who is the No. 169 overall prospect in the 2024 class and the No. 18 linebacker, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. On3, which ranks Williams as the No. 84 overall prospect in his class, ranks him higher than any other company.
“Coach Nicholson told me that I was one of the best out there, and he wanted to offer me a scholarship to Miami,” Williams said. “That made me feel really good.”
Along with Nicholson, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound prospect is eager to establish a solid rapport with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.
“He’s recruiting and building Miami back to what it used to be, and I like that,” Williams said of Cristobal. “I have a lot of family that live in Florida, so that’s like my second home; I’m always out there.”
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Maryland is currently the favorite to land Williams’ commitment, slightly ahead of Virginia Tech and Penn State.
“We’re getting to the end of the process, but now new colleges come and offer you, and it kind of changes things,” Williams said. “I was narrowing stuff down, but sometimes colleges come out and offer you so I will be opening things back up.”
With Miami now in the picture, Williams says he may rethink his top schools, as the Hurricanes have emerged as a program he will consider after receiving an offer.
“Miami will be in my top schools, and coach Nicholson told me I’ll need to go see them first and then go set up an official visit after,” Williams said. “We are working on making it happen, and Miami will be one of my top schools.”
Williams stated that Florida, Penn State, USC, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, North Carolina, and Miami are some of top programs at the moment and explained what the most important elements will be when deciding on a program.
“Development is probably the biggest factor because I want to get to the league,” Williams said. “That home feel because I want to be comfortable where I’m at and would want to go there if I wasn’t playing football. My family and how they feel about the school, and just a place I can be me.”
CaneSport’s take
Although Miami only recently offered Williams, his interest in the Hurricanes is strong, and he intends to visit Miami soon and set up an official visit after his initial trip to Coral Gables.
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