Scouting Report: Gators WR Commit Izaiah Williams
Photo: Izaiah Williams; Credit: Brian Smith
The Gators landed their first pass-catcher of the 2024 cycle when blue-chip wide receiver Izaiah Williams announced his commitment to Florida on Friday afternoon.
Williams, a Tampa (Fla.) product from Carrollwood Day School, is an explosive and versatile wideout option who can line up anywhere in the formation, but likely projects as a slot due to his smaller frame and quickness.
To better understand what Williams brings to the table, All Gators provides an in-depth scouting report of the talented playmaker.
After missing the vast majority of his junior season due to a collarbone injury — recording just six receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns — Williams’ scouting report will be largely based on his sophomore film from Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel (Fla.) with supplemental evaluation from his performances from the 7-on-7 circuit this spring.
Upon first glance, Williams doesn’t possess the typical imposing frame of pass-catchers recruited by wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales in recent memory, standing at 6-foot flat, 172 pounds. What he lacks in stature, though, he more than makes up for in explosiveness.
Given the current state of the position group, his speed in space can help the Gators' passing offense take a major step forward.
Posting a sub-11-second 100-meter time at 10.94 on the track during his sophomore year, Williams exemplifies the verified speed criteria Florida head coach Billy Napier highly values during the evaluation process.
It’s his best attribute at this stage, mostly using it to burn past defenders while providing a downfield passing target to his quarterbacks, resulting in consistent chunk plays.
In 2021, Williams racked up 524 yards and four scores on 34 catches, averaging an impressive 15.4 yards per catch.
He was one of current Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht’s favorite targets as he showed reliable hands, burst off the line of scrimmage, the ability to create separation downfield due to his long speed, willingness to bring down contest catches and considerable wiggle when operating in the open field.
Possessing the explosiveness to elevate above defenders to come down with passes outside his framework, Williams showcases a promising catch radius despite his smaller frame. He routinely turns short passes into big plays with his elusiveness in the open field after the catch. Once the ball is in his hands, Williams is a slippery ball carrier who’s keen on splitting arm tackles and can be deceivingly difficult to bring down.
The next step for Williams comes in his progression on the route tree, displaying room for considerable improvement, which is the case for most prep receivers.
However, his athleticism and intangibles suggest a rather easy development in that regard, given his burst out of his breaks, natural instinct to sink his hips at the top of the route and ability to snap his head around in the direction of the ball with suddenness.
Under the direction of Gonzales at Florida — whose reputation as a developer is his strong suit — improvement in that area should not be an issue.
Florida will continue to monitor his progression as he returns to the gridiron this fall from injury, but Napier, Gonzales and Co. expect him to return to form as an explosive weapon out wide for Carrollwood Day.
He’s backed up the theory during the spring 7-on-7 and camp circuit, proving to be one of the top performers at multiple Overtime OT7 events and clocking a verified 4.46 40-yard dash at an Under Armour All-America camp in early March.
Williams is the first piece in what will likely be a three-to-four-man receiver class for the Gators in 2024.
He fills a big need for speed, and is expected to utilize that ability as he bounces around the offensive formation to provide mismatches for 2024 quarterback commit DJ Lagway to exploit during their careers at UF.
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