OT Mike Williams Commits to Florida

Freshly removed from his official visit to Gainesville, Maryland-based offensive tackle prospect Mike Williams pledged to the Florida Gators.

The Florida Gators have landed their first commitment of the summer. 

Due to a busy three-weekend stretch of prospects on campus in Gainesville, the Gators garnered national praise for the elite list of official visitors both June 2-4 and June 9-11. It created expectations for the 2024 class to proliferate as talent trending toward UF announced intentions to don orange and blue threads collegiately.

But no pledge came to fruition, until now.

Baltimore (Md.) Charles Herbert Flowers offensive tackle Mike Williams, freshly removed from his multi-day stay at Florida, ended that drought as he shared his commitment to the university on Monday. He picked the Gators over interest from Michigan State, South Carolina, Miami, Maryland, Tennessee, USC and others. 

He is the eighth commit in head coach Billy Napier's 2024 recruiting class and first along the offensive trenches. 

Hii Gainesville. #GoGators🐊 @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/kaCef1i2j3

— Mike Williams (@Mike4kk) June 12, 2023

Standing at 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, the Maryland-based prospect fits the mold of imposing stature the Gators have targeted to occupy spots on the exterior offensive line —mainly via the transfer portal — since assistant coaches Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton took over the unit last offseason.

However, Williams' size is only part of the story. He possesses raw strength and length to contend with both power and speed off the edge at the prep level, paired with the nimbleness to work into the second and third levels as a lead blocker in the run game. 

The downhill style perfectly aligns with the smashmouth football style the Gators have adopted since Napier implemented his offense. 

Williams' commitment comes at a position of need, with Florida having struggled to acquire offensive tackle prospects from the high school ranks dating back to the last regime. De La Salle's (New Orleans, La.) Caden Jones notably ended that trend in the 2023 cycle.

Now, Williams is a high-upside addition to the OL group with bookend tackle potential after refinement.

Protecting franchise quarterback DJ Lagway will be the primary focus for the unit following his arrival on campus after the 2023 campaign's conclusion. Williams appends depth to the room with upside to ensure the endeavor is successful.

---

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

Get your Gators football, basketball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.