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Justin Williams, 4-star WR, talks Florida Gators commitment and future at UF

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr08/07/25On3Keith
Justin Williams
Justin Williams (Keith Niebuhr/On3)

GAINESVILLE — When Justin Williams has the football in his hands, big plays tend to happen.

Last season, the electric Buchholz (Fla.) High standout became the first high school player in Florida in more than two decades — since Devin Hester — to eclipse 1,000 yards both receiving (1,473) and rushing (1,023) in a single season. The historic achievement catapulted the 4-star Florida Gators commit into the national spotlight and solidified his status as an elite prospect.

As for which position he’s better at — receiver or running back — even Williams isn’t sure.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” he said Thursday.

For what it’s worth, Florida is recruiting Williams, listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, at receiver. During Thursday’s practice at Buchholz, he worked exclusively at that spot for the Bobcats. Still, his versatility means he’ll likely see action all over the field this fall — potentially even on defense.

When asked what sets him apart as a receiver, Williams had a clear answer.

“I would definitely say my hands,” he told Gators Online. “It’s something you can’t really teach and I feel like when the ball is in the air I’m gonna go get it.”

Ranked the No. 28 receiver and No. 184 overall prospect nationally by the Rivals Industry, Williams committed to the Gators on June 8. But that hasn’t stopped other programs — including Florida State and UCF — from continuing their pursuit.

“I’m blocking them. I didn’t tell them anything, but I’m still locked in [with Florida],” he said.

His connection to the Gators runs deep. Several factors have strengthened his commitment to the program.

“I just feel like I have a spot here and feel like a part of the family here and I can really contribute to something greater,” he said. “And hopefully be a part of something big. I see myself playing the slot. Kind of what [Vernell Brown III] is going to be doing this year and what Eugene Wilson is going to be doing. I’m excited to see how they do.”

Looking ahead, Williams is especially eager to team up with star quarterback DJ Lagway once he arrives on campus in 2026 as an early enrollee at UF.

“It’s a really cool thought to play with a potential Heisman winner,” he said.

Williams plans to attend every home game in Gainesville this fall. And while his recruitment technically remains open, a final decision may not be far off.

“I’m pretty close [to shutting down his recruitment],” Williams said. “I’m getting there.”

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