4-star defender James Williams picks Miami over Georgia

James Williams, one of the top defensive players in the 2021 recruiting class, announced his commitment Tuesday to Miami.

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native garnered a four-star rating from ESPN, which ranked him 33rd overall on the ESPN 300. ESPN lists him as an outside linebacker, but other outlets have him pegged as a defensive back. His reference to Sean Taylor in his social media post could suggest he views himself as a safety at the college level.

Williams chose the Hurricanes over Georgia, which was believed to be his most likely destination.

Williams immediately becomes the Hurricanes' top-ranked recruit for 2021, as he's the only prospect listed inside the top 100. Miami has seven others from the top 300 pledged to join the program.