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Countdown to Canes Football: No. 6 James Williams
In college football, if there’s a more physically gifted safety than today’s Countdown to Canes player, which roster is that young man on? Some players possess special talents and they stand out immediately. This Miami Hurricane has that type of talent.
Who’s been discussed before today? Here: Full Countdown to Canes Football List
James Williams
Size: 6-foot-5, 224 pounds
Class: Junior
Position: Safety
Recruitment and Background
A national recruit that was committed to Georgia at one time prior to eventually committing and signing with Miami, Williams was the No. 14 overall prospect in the 247 composite rankings. Williams was also considered the top player in Florida for the class of 2021. Williams hails from American Heritage, a tradition-rich program in Broward County.
2021 Statistics
Tackles: 31
Tackles For Loss: 0.5
Interceptions: 2
Pass Breakups: 2
2022 Statistics
Tackles: 59 (led Canes with 39 solo)
Tackles For Loss: 1
Interceptions: 1
Forced Fumbles: 1
Fumble Recoveries: 2
Pass Breakups: 6
Special Talent
Of all the players from the Countdown to Canes Football list, Williams possesses the highest ceiling. It’s really not in question. Combining athleticism and size, he's at least in the discussion for the most unique safety at the college or NFL level.
Now, it’s time to maximize. That’s why Williams is being placed so far up this list. He can be a dominant player. The Miami coaching staff needs to use him better than the last defensive coordinator did, but much of the final result comes down to Williams.
All the little details, including film study, knowing down and distance tendencies, formation recognition, are some of the categories that Williams needs to continue to climb the ladder. If he conquers those areas – as well as a few more being discussed below – Williams can be as good a player as there is in college football regardless of position.
Pass Defense
If Williams reads his keys the way he’s capable of, at minimum, he should register 4 interceptions this next season. His burst, length and change of direction skills are all but unfair. He picked off one pass last season, and was also in the vicinity for several more.
It goes back to the points above about preparation. If he does the right things there, he will be staring down several chances to snag picks. Further, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry’s defense will provide Williams a chance to be a playmaker because of the pressure it applies on the quarterback. Williams should benefit nicely.
Run Defense Can Still Go Up A Notch
He’s as big or bigger than some college linebackers, literally. Williams certainly is not shy about being physical in the box either. Williams is a player that lays a lick! Now, can he be even more effective with making not just a high number of stops, but critical plays in the run game that change the game flow?
Stuffing a running back during a blitz, making a unique play from behind that showcases Williams’ length? How about tackling Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis for a loss during a read-option play?
Those are the ones people will remember, and NFL scouts as well. Now entering his third season of college football, Williams should be consistently making at least one game-changing play per contest.
Yes, I Did That
Williams will be the only player with this category from the entire Miami football roster, or any other as well. He deserves the praise, however.
Prediction: Williams will provide the best defensive play – regardless of college football team – for the entire 2023 college football season.
This play could be a pick-six that sees Williams weave through traffic before barrelling over a player to score. Maybe it’s a strip-sack scoop and score versus Clemson that seals the victory for the Canes. Whatever that play might be, Williams is the one that will make it happen.
Leadership
Miami players will look to Williams for guidance this season. It’s simple. Williams needs to give them advice; show players why a play design works the way it does. Things of that nature should come naturally to him now that’s been a two-year starter.
It’s the biggest step to help finish off his college journey before heading off to the NFL Draft (we all know he’s gone after this season so let’s call it like it is). Once Williams achieves the goals of better understanding the little things, and also adds additional leadership qualities, it’s hard to imagine him not being considered a likely first round NFL pick.
2023 Projection
Williams will lead the Canes in tackles and unique plays. He will also be a major reason the Miami defense gets back on track and is once again one of the top defenses in the ACC.
Also, combining Williams with fellow safety Kamren Kinchens, the Canes will possess the top safety duo in college football. In doing his part to make that happen, look for Williams to be a first team All-ACC player and also one that competes for national awards.
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