FSU Football: James Williams Commits to #Tribe25!
New FSU defensive line coach Terrence Knighton adds talent to #DeathRowSouth
The hiring of new defensive line coach Terrence Knighton is already beginning to pay dividends. Today, former Nebraska EDGE James Williams elected to transfer to Florida State to continue his playing career. The 6’6 250 pound Parkville, Missouri product is Florida State’s first four-star transfer of this recruiting cycle.
College football fans often decry the transfer portal for various reasons, but James Williams is Exhibit A of why the transfer portal is a good thing. James Williams came on late in the recruiting cycle of his high school senior season. He recorded an incredible 18 sacks, 35 tackles for loss, and 108 total tackles in that season.
Williams also received first-team all-state recognition for his efforts but unfortunately the scholarship offers did not come. He enrolled at Iowa Central Community College, and continued his dominant play.
His lone season at Iowa Central produced 19 tackles with six sacks, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Sadly, the only offer he received was a preferred walk-on opportunity at the University of Nebraska .
Despite taking a redshirt in his first season at Nebraska, he found a way to remain productive. He recorded four tackles with two sacks and a quarterback hurry. His efforts were rewarded with a scholarship for the 2024 season.
The 2024 season was his breakout performance as he recorded fourteen tackles with five and a half tackles for loss and five sacks. His five sacks were second on the team despite playing a rotational role.
From the tape I have watched on Williams, he definitely looks the part of a high-level edge rusher. He is long, athletic, and plays with a relentless motor. Williams also shows the ability to set the edge in run support, and has even shown some coverage ability.
The CEO of #DeathRowSouth has done a tremendous job of developing Williams into a top level edge defender whose best football is yet to come. This is a tremendous acquisition for Florida State, and I can’t wait to see who joins #DeathRowSouth along with James Williams.