Florida Gators Believe in WR Commit Izaiah Williams: ‘It Means a Lot’
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- The chance to participate in the Overtime 7-on-7 Championship was something Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day wide receiver Izaiah Williams couldn't pass up.
Williams, a class of 2024 commitment to the Florida Gators, missed the majority of his junior regular season with a clavicle fracture. He posted only six receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns in five games after a five-score sophomore year at Wesley Chapel (Fla.) Wiregrass Ranch.
"It was just a big-time opportunity," Williams expressed to All Gators about his playing time near Los Angeles. "Since I didn't really have a season last year, I wanted to come out here and showcase my skills and show everybody what I'm about, and what I'm capable of doing.
"People, they just doubted me. I was down for a minute so I didn't really get to showcase who I was."
But when it came to the people who mattered to him, Williams certainly was not discredited.
Florida, which came calling on March 23, is one of 27 FBS programs to have awarded Williams with a scholarship offer. Despite his injury-plagued campaign, seven were awarded following Williams' shortened 2022 season.
But it was UF where Williams felt most at home once his recruitment began to take off, thanks to Gators wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales and head coach Billy Napier. He pledged to the program on May 5.
"It means a lot because it just shows that they really believe in me and believe in the person that I am," Williams said of his recruitment to Florida. "Really big shoutout to Billy G and coach Napier. I can't wait to go up there and give them my all, and they can make me the best person I can be."
Gonzales, in particular, made Florida an appealing option for the Sunshine State pass-catcher following the position coach's March hiring.
A two-time former Gators assistant overseeing the same unit as his prior stints, Gonzales quickly prioritized Williams during the spring by attending Williams' high school practices in order to better observe the prospect. The two have bonded greatly since.
"Ever since Billy G came into the program. we've been chatting him up," Williams said. "It's different. We have a really strong bond, he's like my best friend. I like that about him."
Gonzales has taken appreciation for Williams' explosive nature as a receiver.
Standing at 6-foot, 172 pounds, Williams has reportedly clocked a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and 10.94-second 100-meter dash, making him a candidate to pose a legitimate deep threat within the Gators' offense.
"I'm explosive. I'm a versatile player, I can play any side of the ball," Williams stated. "That's what they like from me."
Williams wasn't the only Florida recruit on the west coast during the week. The headliner was Gators quarterback commitment DJ Lagway, who participated in the Elite 11 Finals competition in Redondo Beach simultaneously.
Although he didn't have the opportunity to observe his future quarterback in action, Williams shared his excitement to team up with Lagway at the collegiate level considering what he already knows of the prized UF pledge.
"It's gonna be a movie when we get up there to Florida," Williams said.
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