Emory Williams signs with Miami Hurricanes: The future at Quarterback U has the skills to get it done
SIGNEES (with link to feature story on each): Francis Mauigoa … Damari Brown … Christopher Johnson … Antione Jackson … Collins Acheampong … Kaleb Spencer … Riley Williams … Samson Okunlola … Robby Washington … Bobby Washington … Rueben Bain … Mark Fletcher … Malik Bryant … Jackson Carver … Emory Williams … Antonio Tripp … Marcellius Pulliam … Jayden Wayne … Frankie Tinilau … Joshua Horton … Raul Aguirre … Robert Stafford … Tommy Kinsler … Ray Ray Joseph … Australian P Dylan Joyce
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Milton (Fla.) High School QB Emory Williams committed to Miami coaches on June 11 (publicly announcing it June 20), and stuck in the class even after highly touted QB Jaden Rashada joined the Miami commit list. Of course, Rashada, later fell off. And Auburn and Florida State pushed to sway Williams following his Miami commitment.
But he stayed strong with the Canes.
And now he’s confirmed signing with Miami.
“I’m fired up, I’m excited to be a Miami Hurricane,” said Williams, who took an unofficial visit to Miami this past weekend.
Given Miami’s QB situation from this past season, the program needs to build for the future at the position. And Williams is a step forward in that direction.
“I am all about helping the team and making it better,” Williams said. “It’s hard to beat this coaching staff, this area, the community.”
Williams initially picked up the Miami offer April 28 after QB coach Frank Ponce evaluated him at the high school. Williams and his family followed up with a visit to Miami in May, which helped lead to his commitment.
As for Williams’ ability level?
“He’s got a bigtime arm, there’s not a throw he can’t make,” Milton High coach Kelly Gillis said. “To be 6-5 – his biggest aspect is how cerebral he is on the field.”
When Williams committed he wasn’t one of the more highly sought quarterbacks – he chose UM over USF. He only landed 15 offers during the recruiting process. But don’t let that or his ranking status belie his ability.
Williams enjoyed a strong season with 2,102 passing yards, 21 TD passes, 4 INTs and 302 rushing yards with two scores on the ground despite his team’s 3-7 record that was marked by some defensive issues. He completed 63 percent of his passes despite analytics that showed 40 dropped passes.
His season included 290 passing yards in the team’s opening game against Andalusia (Ala.) High School, a team that went on to finish 14-1 and win the 4A state title.
As a junior he threw for 2,168 yards, 16 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 161 completions for a 63% completion percentage.
“He’s been under the radar, but why I’m not sure,” Gillis said. “He’s very smart and very, very tough from a mental and physical aspect. He has all the traits you want in a bigtime quarterback.”
Williams’ On3 scouting report reads “Tough field general that can deliver strikes to his receivers while staring down the barrel at free blitzers. Has a leaner frame with plenty of room to add mass. Stands at 6-foot-4.5, 190 pounds with a 9-inch hand. Has quality velocity on his ball and is a natural passer. Accurate thrower that layers the ball at every level of the field. Appears to push the ball on deeper throws. Will get simpler for him as he adds mass in his lower half and gets stronger. Ran in the 110m high hurdles, 300m and 400m as a sophomore. Can escape the pocket and function on designed runs but is not an overly dynamic athlete. High upside prospect as a passer who has the chance to make an impact once he physically develops at the next level.”
The bottom line for Williams?
“I want to win a championship, bring The U back,” he said. “I think college football is at its best when Miami is playing its best.”
