4-star LB Dylan Williams announces top seven schools

Long Beach (Calif.) Long Beach Poly four-star linebacker Dylan Williams decommitted from USC on Oct. 18. Since then, he has been pursued by some of the top programs in college football.

Williams is now ready to announce his top seven schools. Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, Texas and UCLA made the cut.

“A lot of schools are recruiting me very, very hard and text me every day,” Williams told On3. “These are some of the schools that mainly caught my eye and I really see myself going to.”

Of his finalists, Williams has yet to visit the Crimson Tide, Nittany Lions and Wolverines. However, the 6-foot-2.5, 205-pound recruit has set an official visit to Michigan for the weekend of June 10.

Texas is also getting an official from Williams — on the weekend of June 24 — as well as Miami. His trip to Coral Gables will be in June.

Additionally, the four-star is not opposed to saving official visits for the fall. Using one during Penn State’s White Out game is an option under consideration.

“We’re gonna have a big decision,” Williams said about his commitment. “Right now, it will probably be either in the summertime or maybe during or after my season. Whenever it feels right.”

Williams already knows what it is like to announce the college of his choice. As a result, the California native is focused on making the best decision for him at the perfect time.

“I’ll go play anywhere in the country,” said Williams, the No. 105 overall prospect and No. 8 linebacker in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “I am just looking for a great, family-oriented program and a great relationship with the people.”

Williams discusses four of his top seven schools

Michigan: “Me and coach Jay Harbaugh have a great connection. Their new inside linebackers coach (Chris Partridge), me and him have a great connection. They just want me to come be a part of the great tradition and history there. I’ve been building a great relationship with them, just chopping it up on the phone, breaking down ball and getting real close with them. I’m gonna get out there for an OV and see how it goes.”

Oregon: “Me and coach Tosh Lupoi have a great connection, and also coach (Dan) Lanning. It’s a no-brainer there.”

Penn State: “Coach (James) Franklin actually came up to Poly to meet me and ever since then, they’ve just been recruiting me hard… Penn State is for sure a top school for me. That’s Linebacker University. You already know that’s Linebacker U.”

UCLA: “Me and Ken Norton Jr. have a great connection. That’s probably one of the top coaches I have a great connection with. Me and him just run together. We grew up in the same area… and I know he could do a lot for me and develop me. He might be the best to develop linebackers.”