Big developments in the recruitment of four-star defensive lineman Amaris Williams

It seems that every day brings something new in the recruiting process of four-star defensive end Amaris Williams out of Clinton (NC).

As recently as early this week, things were trending in a positive direction for Ohio State, with the Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) continuing to point confidently in the 6-foot-3, 265-pounder ending up in Columbus.

But when I wrote about Williams on Tuesday, I did mention two things that could turn this a bit south for the Buckeyes:

–While I am told NIL is not the number one driver in this recruitment, I am told it is a factor in Williams’ decision. That is something to watch, as we have seen how NIL has made some late shifts in recruitments over the last year or two as we approach Signing Day.

-There is apparently a “mystery fourth school” that has entered the mix, but Williams is tight-lipped about who that school is. In talking to sources inside the WHAC, this was news to them as well, but it is something to watch for down the stretch.

In regards to the first point above re: NIL, it appears that it will or could be a bit more of a driving factor in Williams’ eventual decision than originally thought. If it becomes the driver in this recruitment, I would not feel particularly well about OSU’s chances. If it remains a factor, but not the “end all be all”, I still think the Buckeyes could/will land the talented prospect.

The second point is somewhat related to the first point, in that the “mystery team” that was involved in this recruitment in addition to Florida, OSU, and Tennessee is Auburn. The Tigers are definitely one of the schools more aggressive in their NIL approach, and if this becomes a “NIL recruitment”, Auburn will definitely become a major player.

OTHER BUZZ & DEVELOPEMENTS

In addition to the above road blocks that could potentially come in Ohio State’s way, I am also told that Georgia is picking up the intensity of their pursuit in Amaris Williams, and that the two-time defending champions definitely interest the North Carolina native.

While the Bulldogs might be in this thing now, it does seem that Tennessee is fading, though. The Vols have been hopeful to get Williams on campus for a while now, and the latest plan was for the official visit to happen next weekend, but it appears that trip may not be happening.

Finally, while many counted Florida out of this thing, it appears the Gators’ staff feels confident they can keep Williams in the fold. It should be noted that Williams has not decommitted from UF like many expected him to at this point, and with the developments over the last week, sources in Gainesville have what I would call a “growing confidence” that they can get the four-star to stick. It was also interesting to hear that Florida feels Ohio State is fading in this race, and view some of the other schools mentioned as bigger threats to flipping Williams.

WHERE OHIO STATE STANDS

Even with new schools entering the fold and Florida feeling more confident than they have in a while that Amaris Williams could stick, I still see a path to Ohio State winning this one.

Larry Johnson and Ryan Day still can make visits to Clinton to see Williams and his family, and those have not happened yet.

Additionally, if the Buckeyes can get the Williams camp to not let this recruitment be completely driven by NIL, they have the best chance of any program to land the lineman, who believes Johnson (a North Carolina-native himself) and OSU are the best place for him to develop into a NFL prospect.

Right now my pick is still on Ohio State, but whereas I made my RPM pick with a 65% confidence, I would say it’s about half of that and trending in the wrong direction right now.

With 18 days until Signing Day there are sure to be many twists and turns in this recruitment, so keep close to Lettermen Row for the latest scoop and buzz.

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