Class Impact: Quentin Williams to Miami

Stefan Adams
5 min read
2020 Mallard Creek (NC) DE Quentin Williams committed to Miami yesterday afternoon.



The 6-3 235 pounder is currently a consensus 3-star recruit in the national rankings. According to the 247Sports Composite, Williams is the #662 player nationally, #24 WDE in the country, and the #18 player in North Carolina. His commitment keeps Category20 at the #8 class ranking on 247Sports and #4 on Rivals.


The Player

Williams grew up in a family of Hurricanes fans all the way in the state of North Carolina, so it was a big deal when he landed his UM offer from Manny Diaz in January. After an unofficial visit in April, the mutual interest between both parties really started to heat up. The Canes made his top 5 in May and it seemed Williams would be destined for Miami if he got the green light to commit. That came this week and Williams jumped at the opportunity to become a Hurricane. Williams is the first player Miami has pulled from the Tar Heel State since Braxton Berrios in 2014. He chose UM over West Virginia, UNC, Louisville, and Virginia Tech.

At the Opening Charlotte Regional in April, Williams put on a show in the combine testing, recording a 111.03 SPARQ score, a 4.80 40-yard dash, a 4.41 shuttle time, a 43 ft powerball, and a 33.4 inch vertical. This puts him in elite territory in terms of athleticism among defensive ends in his class.

That explosion comes through on film, with Williams’ burst and quickness around the edge seemingly deadly for offensive tackles. Mixes a great first step with very good power. Maintains top gear and doesn’t slow down when making the turn off the edge, and uses exceptional bend to dip under blockers. Can be trusted to contain the edge, as his backside pursuit is high quality. Has the ability to drop and cover or attack the passer. Demonstrates he can rush effectively both standing up or with his hand in the dirt. Impressive in his ability to work his hands and fight off blocks, where he can use his length to create space. Long arms that can cause disruption in passing lanes. Attacks the ball and is always looking to rip and create fumbles. Developing his body even further and perfecting his technique will go a long way because Williams has all the tools to become a monster.


The Class

Williams’ commitment brings the total class numbers to 19 and he joins McDougle Technical Institute (FL) 4-star Samuel Anaele as the second true DE take in the class. Columbus (FL) 3-star Elijah Roberts is swingman that could end up at DT down the line, but Miami will start him out as a DE and move him inside for special packages. This is not going to slow down UM’s efforts in pursuing another DE in the class, as UM would prefer three true DE’s to pair with the versatility of Roberts to play outside or inside.

The board here was radically shaken up 2 weeks ago when Booker T. Washington (FL) 4-star DE Donell Harris reclassified from 2021 to the 2020 class. If Miami continues to pursue Harris, he would easily be the top target at DE in 2020 from here on out, and it seems they intend to do just that as Harris was invited to and showed up for Paradise Camp this weekend. As I said when he first decommitted, Alabama, Clemson, and UGA are the schools that have more traction here while Miami is running behind.

Previously, Miami had been treating Berkeley Prep (FL) 4-star Jaylen Harrell as a priority at DE, however, Harrell did not make his scheduled visit for Paradise camp. Harrell seems very open right now and doesn’t look to be close to ending his recruitment any time soon.

A third target the Canes are still hot on would be Dublin (GA) 3-star Romello Height. Originally being recruited as a linebacker, Miami has started to see the 6-5 215 pound Height as a rush end/viper type that could also drop back into coverage on occasion. Height took an official visit to Miami 2 weeks back and UM felt they made a move with him. He’s also already taken an official visit to Kentucky. Height doesn’t rule out a September decision on his father’s birthday.


The Team

The Canes lose seniors Trevon Hill and Scott Patchan following the 2019 season, while junior Jon Garvin could potentially leave early to head to the NFL. All three are expected to contribute heavily in the defensive line rotation this season, so Williams and his fellow classmates will have plenty of open playing time to absorb if they can prove they’re ready. However, the Canes have really been stacking some serious young talent at end, including guys such as Gregory Rousseau and Jahfari Harvey who have been making big waves in practice, as well as 5-star transfer Jaelan Phillips. The competition for reps should be a good one in 2020.

Williams already has a pretty good build for a senior in high school, so a year from now he should be physically able to contribute at Miami if needed. A guy with his measurables could really excel in Manny Diaz’s system and he should be challenging to start by his sophomore season.

 

Comments (35)

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Born and raised in north carolina. There are a crap ton of Miami fans here.

Im a hour from mallard creek. Definitely going to check him out this season. Charlotte has a ton of talent every year.
Any idea why that is? Seems a bit random
 
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@Stephan said Alabama Clemson & UGA have the most traction in the recruitment while Miami is running behind.
Per an earlier interview, Mr. Harris Sr. Insists that Miami is still there school of choice and is at the top of their list and D. Harris is in fact "Miami's to lose" . So which one of you is lying? Obviously someone is. I'll put my money on Harris Sr. , pretty sure he and son are chasing bags.
 
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Riggins? Is he still gonna end up in this class? Doesnt seem many are still high on him or am i wrong here...?
 
Film reminds me of the ga recruit who signed who bama last year at the last second. Jess was his old school's coach. Definitely a SDE I could see him adding 20 pounds 6-4 260 and being a flat out monster. I like that he plays the run on the way to the quarterback. Rarely gets beat on contain.. Welcome aboard Quentin
 
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Riggins? Is he still gonna end up in this class? Doesnt seem many are still high on him or am i wrong here...?

The concerns with him is that he’s been injured the last 2 years so there isn’t a lot of game film on him, plus he doesn’t do the camp circuit. Which is fine but it’s Really difficult to tell if he’s taken the next step in his development from when he first committed at a young age.

I believe the staff will be keeping a close eye on him this fall and reevaluating him. I for you am rooting like **** for the kid because NO ONE has been more loyal than him. I hope he takes the next step but if not I am sure the staff will do right by him, drop him in time and maybe help get him into another program.
 
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The concerns with him is that he’s been injured the last 2 years so there isn’t a lot of game film on him, plus he doesn’t do the camp circuit. Which is fine but it’s Really difficult to tell if he’s taken the next step in his development from when he first committed at a young age.

I believe the staff will be keeping a close eye on him this fall and reevaluating him. I for you am rooting like **** for the kid because NO ONE has been more loyal than him. I hope he takes the next step but if not I am sure the staff will do right by him, drop him in time and maybe help get him into another program.

Agreed 100%. This season is like a contract year for Riggins. He has a great ceiling IMO but like @TRick72 said Riggins has been hurt for much of the last 2 years. I'm pulling for the kid like crazy because he has been so loyal. I'll be watching him closely this season and if he is able to take the next step and remain healthy, he will be getting that 4th star back and UM will be getting a very good DT prospect.
 
@Stephan said Alabama Clemson & UGA have the most traction in the recruitment while Miami is running behind.
Per an earlier interview, Mr. Harris Sr. Insists that Miami is still there school of choice and is at the top of their list and D. Harris is in fact "Miami's to lose" . So which one of you is lying? Obviously someone is. I'll put my money on Harris Sr. , pretty sure he and son are chasing bags.
Far be it from me to cast aspersions but this kid looks like a front runner. Maybe it's not the kid but rather his dad but in either event the outcome remains the same and that doesn't include us.
Now let's just assume that Harris Sr. is telling the truth and that UM is where Harris Jr. wants to be and that he is Miami's to lose. If this is indeed the case, the Harris family most likely wanted the space to look at each option as objectively as possible to make sure that Jr. was making the best and most informed decision possible.

In this particular scenario I would actually love Miami's chances because I feel that if UM plays the type of defense we are capable of playing and Dan Enos does for our quarterbacks and offense what we know he can then Miami will most likely have an impressive season that makes it clear that we are on the rise and that coupled with the small class sizes, academic reputation and the family atmosphere will convince Harris Jr. that staying home and repping his city is the right decision for him to make.
 
I think it is kind of random. Maybe country boy strength lol.
Genetics and geography.
It's no different from the northern/Midwestern teams and all their big offensive lineman.

Its not the country strength its the southern athleticism. Big boys are strong everywhere. What separates southerners is the lateral quickness and athleticism matched with that strength.

The Carolinas, Bama, Mississippi, Georgia, all produce some very talented Dlineman.
 
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