BREAKING: Top-100 recruit Amaris Williams flips commitment from Florida to Auburn
Four-star defensive end Amaris Williams has flipped his commitment from Florida to Auburn football.
Williams, who is from Clinton, N.C., announced his decision Wednesday on social media. He had been committed to the Gators since June.
His decision comes a little more after leaving an official visit to the Plains.
“I can see myself playing here as a freshman, playing here, period,” he said after the visit. “It’s a really good school.”
Culture was a big factor in his decision. He got to see first-hand what Freeze is establishing at Auburn.
“I’m really big on culture and how good people are to me,” he said. “That’s really one of the reasons why I committed to UF, but seeing all the changes they’ve had is really a downfall for me. Knowing that Auburn has really good people and knowing that they have a sustainable staff when it comes to the next 3-5 years is really good for me.
“It’s nice to know I could come (to Auburn) and be around a lot of good people and also have coaches that are going to be here for a long time.”
Coaches big factors in Williams’ decision
Williams’ visit to Auburn was his first, but it left a lasting impression.
“I’m grateful I was able to come,” he said. “I liked meeting the people like Ty (Holder), Coach (Vontrell King-Williams), T-Reed (Trovon Reed), he’s a cool and funny guy … just seeing who they are as people and seeing myself around them a lot.”
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Williams also has developed bonds with Hugh Freeze and defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett.
“(Garrett is) a really good guy,” Williams said. “We are kind of the same person. He had the same past as me growing up. We have a lot of similarities. It’s nice to know he can relate to a lot to life problems and recruitments because he’s been through it. It’s nice to know he can relate to me as a kid and hopefully as an adult.
“Coach Freeze is a good guy. I talked to him for a long time. He talked to me about how he’s more of a relationship guy with his players. He talks about life and football and can help me in a lot of different ways.”
Auburn poaching Gators’ top DL commits
Williams is the second top-100 recruit Auburn has flipped from Florida. The Tigers flipped four-star outside linebacker Jamonta Waller in November.
And Auburn might not be done with the Gators. The Tigers continue to work on flipping five-star defensive lineman L.J. McCray.
Williams is Auburn’s 20th high school/junior college commitment in the 2024 class and 21st total. The Tigers also have commitments from Georgia State transfer WR Robert Lewis and Kansas transfer DL Gage Keys.
