Gator Country

As more college coaches get a hold of senior film, some prospects are just starting to take off in the eyes of the recruiters. A good example is Winter Park's standout safety/wide receiver Darnell Williams. He's an (6-2, 190) is an imposing (6-2, 190) that is a threat to go the distance every time he he touches the ball on offense and will punish ball carriers on defense.

Williams missed the last game due to a stretched ligament in his foot and a turf toe injury, but he is back practicing almost at full speed this week. He has 15 catches for almost 500 yards and 100 yards rushing on reverses as a receiver, good for nine touchdowns. On defense Williams has four interceptions and over 20 tackles. He plays free safety and will fill in at corner at times. .

Williams is starting to pick up offers. Schools from as far away as Ohio and Nebraska have taken notice of this former Mississippian that came to Florida after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. He has a top five but that is subject to change.

“I have kind of narrowed it down but not sure what order they will go in,” Williams said. “Florida, Florida State, UCF, Ole Miss, and Kentucky are on top. The only offers I know I have are from UCF, Ole Miss, and Nebraska.”

Williams goes on to talk about his top five.

KENTUCKY: “They have a good program. I haven’t done a lot of research on them but I feel like they have a good school.”

OLE MISS: “I grew up liking Ole Miss, because I lived in Mississippi. I like Ole Miss because they play in a big conference.”

FLORIDA STATE: “I had family that played at FSU. I had a cousin, Akeem Spivey, and we recently found out that I am related to Ernie Sims and Marcus Sims. They have a good football team and I just like Coach Bowden.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA: “The school is great and the coaches are great. I took a few unofficial visits there. I know a lot of people there too. It is basically like a family there.”

FLORIDA: “I talk to Coach (Charlie) Strong and he is a great guy. When I talked to him he makes me want to come to Florida. Coach Strong wants me as a safety and I know he will make me a headhunter in college.

“I came to Friday night Lights and I think I did great. Coach (Urban) Meyer made me even feel better than what I thought I did. I just loved the whole atmosphere even though it was a hard work out. I played receiver, and even though there was some good receivers I think I stood out.

“I think Florida is about to offer me and I would probably narrow it down even more if they offered. I will probably be at the last two home games. I just have to get a ride.”

In the end, it looks like it will be non-football decisions that lead him to one school or another. Williams really is focused on academics and the people at the school he chooses.

“My girlfriend and I are trying to go to the same college, so she will have a big part in it,” he said. “I am thinking about if I was to get hurt, which school will allow me to have a better future outside of football. I am thinking about majoring in sports management.”

Look for Darnell Williams to shoot up the recruiting rankings as film comes in. He is having a spectacular senior season in a state that is flat out loaded with senior talent this year. Williams will be one to keep an eye on.

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