Believe it or not, the recruiting process seems to be over for Stanley Williams.
The Apalachee High School rising sophomore has verbally committed to the University of Georgia after he was extended an offer last week following Dawg Night activities in Athens.
Williams, who will not graduate high school until 2014, impressed UGA coaches with his speed, running a 4.28. UGA coaches reportedly did not ask Williams to run again after he turned in that time.
“This is really nice for him,” said AHS coach Shane Davis. “He’s the youngest player since I’ve been coaching to receive an offer.”
Because of his age, Williams can only verbally commit to play for UGA but he seems eager to get to Athens.
“I accepted on the spot,” Williams told UGAsports.com. “It’s close to home, it’s a great school and a great organization with great people to be around. My family is a very big fan (of he program). I’ve always dreamed of playing between the hedges. Last year, I walked on the field and said this is where I want to be. When I came here (Friday), I knew if I got the offer I was going to make it official.”
Williams rushed for 954 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman in Apalachee’s run-oriented offense.
“His (running) time sealed the deal,” Davis said. “That kind of speed is rare.”
UGA was not the only school looking at obtaining Williams’ commitment. Clemson and Auburn also made offers but the high school star wanted to stay closer to home.
Williams is currently 5-7 at 175 pounds, somewhat small for Division I-A college football, but his speed has helped him overcome size.
Reports indicate Williams had previously run a 4.38 at a camp hosted by UGA head coach Mark Richt, but he lowered that time considerably last week.
“I am very proud of him and happy for him,” said AHS offensive coordinator Joel Miller. He has grown up a UGA fan and I know he is very excited about his commitment to the school. Stanley has received multiple offers from BCS schools at an early age (Clemson, Auburn), but he had continued to work extremely hard. From what the college recruiters tell me, Stanley’s speed, body frame — and his future ability to gain weight— sets Stanley apart from other players.”
The offer from UGA to Williams is also a big deal for AHS coaches.
“Its exciting for us as coaches and for our program to have someone as highly recruited as him on our team.” Miller said. “The exposure he gets will bring statewide and possibly national attention to our program and it will also help our other players get noticed by these recruiters that stop by to see Stanley. We have quite a few other players that will have the opportunity to play college football, so we think we have a bright future as a program at Apalachee.”
"This rare for any player his age," said AHS athletic director Brian Moore. "He really got Coach (Todd) Grantham and Coach (Mark) Richt's attention at their prospect camp several weeks ago where ran a sub 4.3."
