Signing Day Surprise: Highly-ranked safety picks Miami

Wow.

The Hurricanes received a big surprise early Wednesday afternoon when highly-ranked safety Avantae Williams committed to the Canes. The Deland High ranked as the second best safety in the class of 2020 and the 44th overall prospect in the country according to 247Sports. This now moves the Canes up to 12th in the national recruiting rankings for this class. 

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1225114337540374530?s=20 

https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/1225111236137799680 

Williams was long rumored to be a lean to Florida for a multitude of reasons. Location was going to be a big factor considering he has two children. In addition, former Hurricane RB Lorenzo Lingard recently transferred to Gainesville and is a cousin of Williams. But in the end, it seems as if the longstanding relationship safeties coach Ephraim Banda had built won out. 

Banda had been recruiting Williams since he was in middle school and continued to recruit Williams after he switched his initial verbal commitment from Miami to Oregon in December of 2018. After he reopened his recruitment for the final time this past December, Banda’s efforts intensified amidst all of the interest from Florida. 

Listed at 5’11” and 170 lbs., Avantae has shown in camps and games that he is a very physical safety and is not afraid to lay down the hammer despite his small frame. He also brings good ball skills that should only improve once he enters the weight room and it would not be surprising at all should he see playing time this season.

Williams becomes Miami’s fourth safety in the Class of 2020 recruiting class, joining South Dade’s Keyshawn Washington, Champagnat Catholic’s Jalen Harrell, and Miramar’s Brian Balom.

Miami’s only other signing on Wednesday was four-star cornerback Isaiah Dunson from Tucker, GA. 

Stay tuned to Five Reasons Sports for more coverage on the Canes as we get closer to the commencement of spring practice.