Four-star wide receiver Izaiah Williams commits to Florida Gators

The University of Florida has landed its first wide receiver from the 2024 class, as four-star prospect Izaiah Williams went public with his commitment moments ago.

Representing Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day, Williams received a scholarship offer from the Gators in March and then wasted no time scheduling a trip to campus. The Sunshine State native made his way to Gainesville multiple times in 2022 as well, so there is a different level of comfort at the Swamp.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Williams is the No. 50 wide receiver and No. 297 prospect regardless of position.

With On3, however, the newest Gators commit is a member of the On300 and the 43rd-ranked wide receiver. He is the No. 233 prospect overall and 33rd-ranked junior in the state of Florida as well.

“I chose the University of Florida for several reasons,” Williams told Gators Online. “First, UF is one of the top-five public universities in the nation. Academics play a huge role in my decision and I feel Florida provides me with a premier learning experience within the state of Florida.

“Second, I really love the football program and I can see the vision with coach Napier and coach Gonzales. I’m just really excited to be a part of this program. I feel like I can be a big aspect of this team.

“And lastly, Florida has been my dream school since I was growing up and I always wanted to play in the SEC. I love the atmosphere and feel at home when I’m there.”

Florida was the no-brainer choice for Williams

With nearly 30 offers on the table, Williams does not have a shortage of options at the Power Five level.

In addition to the Gators, the 5-foot-11.5, 175-pound junior possesses offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Florida State, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State and South Carolina among others. A good portion of those offers arrived during his sophomore year at Wiregrass Ranch, so Williams has been a hot commodity for a few years now.

However, once the Gators joined the fray, the Tampa native knew a decision would likely be coming sooner than later.

“I already knew I was going to go with them,” Williams said of UF. “I just wanted to go early so I could make sure I was locked in with them early. Yeah, that’s really it; just being locked in with them early.”

While being the dream school certainly helps, Williams says the presence of Billy Gonzales made his decision that much easier.

“I love them,” Williams said. “Coach Gonzales, he makes sure to hit me up every day. We have a really good relationship. Ever since coach Gonzales got there, he has been keeping in contact with me and making sure I’m good.

“Coach Napier, I like him and he is a really cool guy. He could really develop me as a man. I really feel comfortable with him developing me into a man and better person.”

A return trip to the Swamp is on the calendar

If all goes as planned, the Gators will be hosting their commits and the majority of their top targets for summer official visits. And with Williams on board, that includes him as well.

Right now, the pass catcher is one of nearly a dozen prospects who are officially visiting on June 2-4. EDGE Jordan Ross, linebacker Kris Jones and Texas A&M defensive line commit Dealyn Evans are some additional targets who will be in town that weekend.

All in all, nearly 25 prospects have already locked in an official visit date with Napier’s staff. The Gators are sizzling on the recruiting trail right now

“They said I’m a great, versatile receiver. They can use me in the slot, outside, and they also really like my speed. I feel like I can do it all and be a big aspect for this team,” said Williams.

With Williams committed, the Gators’ top-five class now features eight prospects. Three of them hail from the Sunshine State.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.