On3 top-100 recruit Tyler Williams discusses interest from HBCUs

Lakeland (Fla.) four-star wide receiver Tyler Williams has suitors from all across the country, including from some HBCUs. Those schools are giving Williams something to think about.

“A lot of HBCUs have been showing love lately,” Williams told Blue & Gold’s Mike Singer. “I feel that it’s a good thing. That’s expanding my variety of options.”

Williams said he talks a lot with the coaches at Jackson State and has also heard from Grambling State and Alabama A&M. All three have offered him a scholarship.

Jackson State has been leading the recent wave of HBCU interest on the recruiting trail thanks to head coach Deion Sanders. In the 2022 cycle, the Tigers landed two top-100 recruits in Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill Five-Star Plus+ prospect and On3 Consensus No. 1 overall recruit Travis Hunter and St. Louis (Mo.) St. Mary’s four-star wide receiver Kevin Coleman.

“For highly rated guys like that to choose an HBCU, something has to be right about the atmosphere there and the coaches,” Williams said. “I’ll be definitely taking a look at those schools.”

The opportunity to play for a legend like Sanders is very enticing for high school recruits, and Williams is no exception.

“He’s one of the best corners to ever do it,” Williams said. “He could probably get on the field right now and lock some people up. He’s mentality; he’s a dog on and off the field. He’s a good dude.”

Williams is the No. 140 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In the 2023 On300 ranking, Williams ranks much higher at No. 57 overall.

“Tyler Williams was a basketball-first athlete prior to transferring to powerhouse Lakeland (Fla.) High before his junior season,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said. “He turned in a strong season for the Dreadnaughts and has seen his stock rise considerably over the last few months. Williams shows off a natural, well-rounded skill set at receiver. He’s a big, fluid mover at around 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. Williams can win at the catch point and also shows some after-catch ability. He doubles as a top basketball player, averaging over 15 points per game at last check.”