Solomon Williams: “I didn’t really know what to expect, but it blew my expectations out of the water”

The Texas Longhorns hosted one of the top pass rushing prospects from the state of Florida July 27 and 28th.

Carrollwood Day 4-star EDGE prospect Solomon Williams made the trip from the Tampa area Thursday morning with his head coach Marshall McDuffie.

According to the 6-foot-2.5, 245-pound quick and physical EDGE prospect, the Texas visit more than exceeded expectations.

“Very impressed,” Williams told Inside Texas Monday. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but it blew my expectations out of the water. Coach (Steve) Sarkisian is a really great dude. PK (Pete Kwiatkowski) was a great dude. Coach Bo Davis is my dude. The staff is full of men that can mold and grow me.”

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski both had messages that resonated with Williams.

“They said that they are in need of a pass rusher. Someone can get the quarterback on the ground. Not just a body that fill up gaps. Not just rush the passer, but get the QB on the ground.”

There were two highlights from the two day visit.

“Me being in the position room last meeting of the summer before fall camp. They had play tests. Going over stunts and plays. I liked how you aren’t going to be perfect, but they are going to work you through it. Like a family (working together). The player led practice was pretty nice. Xavier Worthy was going off. The other receiver (AD Mitchell) was balling.”

The Texas staff talked to Williams about his timetable for making a decision.

“I told them I would make a decision during the season. Take my game day officials, and then make a decision.

Williams told Inside Texas he plans to make fall official visits to Texas, Texas A&M and Oregon before making a decision. He made a June official visit to Alabama, and plans to be back in Tuscaloosa for the Texas game.

Williams felt at home around the Texas team

The No. 256 ranked prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking for the 2024 cycle spent a lot of time Thursday with Anthony Hill and Barryn Sorrell. The Longhorns duo, along with a number of other players, made the Sunshine State pass rusher feel at home.

“Great group of dudes. Dudes that are going to tell it how it is. Great dudes to be around, and be mentored by.”

The Texas players told Williams what is most important at the next level.

“I asked questions about transitioning from high school to football. They talked about not allowing themselves to fall in love with going out, but being focused on producing. I was also able to talk to Worthy and Jahdae Barron. I got to know those guys.”

The contenders include Alabama, Oregon and Texas A&M

Williams made a pair of June visits. He made a mid-month official visit to Alabama, and a late June unofficial visit to Oregon.

“I really enjoyed Oregon, and where he has the program at. Coach (Dan) Lanning and Coach (Tosh) Lupoi are gurus at the EDGE position. Lanning and Lupoi have had a lot of guys that have been successful. They learned from the best programs in the world – Alabama and Georgia.”

Williams also took in Texas A&M last weekend after visiting Texas.

“Great visit. Coach Elijah (Robinson), Coach TJ (Rushing) and Coach (Jimbo) Fisher showed nothing but love. I love the school. My second time there, and there is nothing to not like about Texas A&M.”

Williams also made official visit to UCF the first weekend of June.

Williams was a dominant downhill player as a junior for Carrollwood Day. He tallied 61 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks earning Florida 1M All-State honors.

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