Garrett Williams Commits to Clemson: Tigers Land 4-Star TE

Garrett Williams decided against following in his father's footsteps to Florida State, instead electing to carve his own path at Clemson.

The 4-star tight end prospect revealed those intentions Monday afternoon, announcing a commitment as his junior year comes to a close:

The 6'4", 220-pound Orlando First Academy playmaker selected the Tigers from a collection of four top contenders. He revealed Stanford, Auburn, Florida State and Clemson as his favorite options in March during a conversation with Orlando Sentinel reporter Chris Hays.

Williams, rated No. 8 nationally among tight ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, never seemed to waver from that stance throughout a whirlwind period of his recruiting process. Stanford, certainly the outlier among the bunch in terms of proximity, received a campus visit from Williams in April.

Other collegiate opportunities included Ohio State, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Tennessee and Alabama. Many of those offers arrived before the start of his junior season.

His father, Dayne Williams, played fullback at Florida State in the 1990s. The Seminoles appeared to be a clear early leader upon offering him as a sophomore.

"This one means a lot because my dad played there," he told the Orlando Sentinel at the time. "I wouldn't say one means more than the other, but I have been an FSU fan my whole life, watching them all through growing up." 

Instead, Williams headed north to play for ACC rival Clemson. Based on his physicality and fundamentals, he figures to compete for playing time as an underclassman in head coach Dabo Swinney's offensive attack.

Williams, who contributes in multiple roles at First Academy, should be just as versatile at the next level. The Tigers could look to utilize his skill set in the backfield as an H-back who can lead block, carry the ball himself, protect the edge on passing plays and run intermediate routes.

Clemson was ultimately the only option that could challenge Williams' familiarity with life at Florida State.

"That's a school I've been to more than any other one besides FSU," Williams told the Sentinel. "I know under Coach Swinney's leadership they will keep going up, and up, and up."

Clemson now holds 17 commits for the 2015 class. The group rates fourth nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings.

Recruit information via 247Sports unless otherwise noted.

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