4-star RB Dejuan Williams commits to Maryland: 'I'm staying home'

Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy four-star running back Dejuan Williams had no shortage of options when it came to picking where he’d playing his college ball at. Despite holding more than 20 offers, Williams decided that staying home was the way to go.

Williams announced his commitment to Maryland on Sunday picking the Terrapins over Boston College.

“With Maryland, I’m staying home,” Williams told On3. “Maryland is 30 minutes from home, so I will be close to my family and they will able to come to every home game. It is all about love at Maryland and I’ve felt the love from the beginning.

“I have a great relationship with Coach Mike Locksley, Coach Lance Thompson and it just feels like home. Every time I go there, I see people I know and being comfortable there played into my decision.”

Maryland extended an offer Williams awhile back but he said it was this spring when they really began to up the pressure.

They didn’t need to pressure Williams too much though as he’s been a frequent visitor to campus since he was a little kid.

“I’ve been there probably over 30 times going back to when I was a kid,” said Williams, the No. 320 player in the country. “I watched (Stefon) Diggs play and I’ve had my eye on Maryland since they started recruiting my brother. They have been a top school for me for a while and now it’s the school I’m committed to.”

Mike Locksley fit all of Williams’ needs

For Williams, getting to stay home was just one of the key factors that helped lead Williams to the Terrapins. He also wanted to find a head coach that fit all of his needs.

A coach that keeps it real with him and has his back both on and off of the field were things that Williams said he needed to have. He just so happened to find all of those in Maryland head Mike Locksley.

“Coach Locksley was really important in my decision,” Williams said. “He keeps everything real and he won’t just tell you anything to say it. Coach Locksley great person to be around who made me feel important and he thinks I can be a great player for Maryland.

“He always told me that they need a back like me to catch the ball, get out in the slot and play all over the field. He things I can get on the field right away and accomplish my goal of becoming a freshman All-American at Maryland.”