Signing Day Capsule: Michael Williams

Michael Williams was one of the most hotly recruited defensive backs on the west coast. What brought him to Ann Arbor and who did the Wolverines fight off to win the battle for his services? How will he impact the Michigan football program? ** Video Included**

Michael Williams
S/CB
St. Bonaventure
(Ventura, Calif.)
5-10.5/186t/4.5
Star Ranking: ****
Position Ranking: 5

Scout.com Player Video
Michael Williams Highlight Video 1 - Watch Video
Michael Williams Highlight Video 2 - Watch Video
Michael Williams Commitment Video - Watch Video

His Recruiting Story:
It was at DeWayne Walker’s Defensive Back’s camp that Michael Williams made his first impression on the Michigan coaching staff. With Ron English in attendance, Mike made an impression that stuck with the Wolverines current defensive coordinator.

"I guess he liked what he saw, because he came up to me and offered me a scholarship right there," Michael Williams told GoBlueWolverine Magazine. “That was my first offer.”

Notre Dame followed with an offer shortly after, and, from that point on, it was a battle of two Midwestern powers for the talented defensive back. “Maybe I’ll just commit to whichever team wins the game this September,” Williams joked back in July.

Despite the Wolverines dominating win in September, the Irish appeared to jump to the head of the pack at the beginning of the football season. Michigan’s staff continued to show love to the St. Bonaventure star, however, and it paid dividends when Williams finally named Michigan as his leader on November 7.

“I really like Michigan. I'll say Michigan leads for me by just a little bit,” Williams said.

Michigan clung to that lead, and, at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, Williams became the Wolverines 18th commitment.

GoBlueWolverine Commentary:
Michael Williams will be one to watch over the course of his career. One of the headliners of this class, Williams is a player that could provide an instant impact to the depleted Michigan secondary. While it’s unclear whether he’ll fit in as a corner or safety, he has the combination of speed and skill that will make him an instant asset to the Michigan defense.

“He is a great athlete so he can play a lot positions, but he is a great hitter,” John Mack, his coach at both St. Bonaventure and in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game said. “I don’t know if you got a chance to see any of the 7-on7, but he will bring it. He is a natural safety and that’s a more comfortable position for him, but he will do whatever the team needs to help us win.”

With the Wolverines glaring need at cornerback, look for Williams to start on the outside before possibly moving to safety, his favored position, if the adjustment doesn’t come as quickly as desired.

“As a corner, you really have to be a cover guy,” said Williams. “I like to be more physical, hit and tackle and force the run. I need to learn the scheme and get my body to where it’s more of a college body and I need to be stronger physically. I would like to play early.”