On The Trail: David Williams
B2G Invitational: RN Top 10 
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
11:15
AM ET
By
Erik McKinney and
Blair Angulo | ESPN.com
With 16 of California’s top 7-on-7 teams on hand for the inaugural B2G 7v7 Elite 16 tournament over the weekend, there were dozens of big-time performances turned in, by well-known and previously unknown recruits alike. As always, choosing just 10 standout performances from the weekend was a challenging task, but here are the players, including a bonus selection, who made the cut.
10. London Iakopo
Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei |S| 6-foot, 195 pounds
Iakopo had never played cornerback at any level of competition before Saturday, so naturally he slid into the spot and put together one of the best performances of any player over the weekend. He was terrific on Saturday and saved his best play for Sunday, when he stepped in front of a pass and recorded an interception in the semifinals, helping his Elite760 A team to the championship game.
Elite760 coach Fale Poumele could only shake his head when discussing the fact that it was Iakopo’s first time at cornerback.
“He’s just so athletic; you can put him anywhere on the field and he’ll react,” Poumele said. “He’s quick out of his breaks, so when he makes a decision he’s ready to go on it, and that’s how he got that interception. He’s just a straight football player, has a nose for the ball.”
10. London Iakopo
Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei |S| 6-foot, 195 pounds
Iakopo had never played cornerback at any level of competition before Saturday, so naturally he slid into the spot and put together one of the best performances of any player over the weekend. He was terrific on Saturday and saved his best play for Sunday, when he stepped in front of a pass and recorded an interception in the semifinals, helping his Elite760 A team to the championship game.
Elite760 coach Fale Poumele could only shake his head when discussing the fact that it was Iakopo’s first time at cornerback.
“He’s just so athletic; you can put him anywhere on the field and he’ll react,” Poumele said. “He’s quick out of his breaks, so when he makes a decision he’s ready to go on it, and that’s how he got that interception. He’s just a straight football player, has a nose for the ball.”
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B2G Invitational: Lessons Learned
April, 14, 2013
Apr 14
9:52
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney and
Blair Angulo | ESPN.com
The first ever B2G 7v7 Elite 16 Tournament went off without a hitch this weekend, as 16 of the top passing league teams in California took to Fullerton (Calif.) College for a two-day event. While the B2G Five Star team left an impression as the tournament champions -- marking the first B2G tournament win of the spring -- there were several other notable occurrences during the weekend.
From first time to first-class
It might have been B2G Sports' first ever 7-on-7 passing tournament, but the event was far from an amateur operation.
From first time to first-class
It might have been B2G Sports' first ever 7-on-7 passing tournament, but the event was far from an amateur operation.
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Five stories to watch: NFTC Los Angeles
March, 8, 2013
Mar 8
10:22
AM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
The first Nike Football Training Camp of 2013 will take place this Sunday at Redondo Beach (Calif.) Redondo Union. The elite players in the West region will take part in what is unquestionably the biggest and most prestigious camp of the offseason. Heading into Sunday’s event, there are several storylines that will be worth watching as top recruits will be put to the test in individual, one-on-one and team situations.
Who gets the first invitations to The Opening?
The first Nike camp of the spring means the first invitations to The Opening will be handed out. Last year, five recruits earned invitations immediately following the Los Angeles Nike camp. This year, is there a chance that with the talent scheduled to be on hand, the number could double? Dwight Williams (Gardena, Calif./Serra) won the linebacker MVP award at this camp last year and has his sights set on the ultimate prize.
Who gets the first invitations to The Opening?
The first Nike camp of the spring means the first invitations to The Opening will be handed out. Last year, five recruits earned invitations immediately following the Los Angeles Nike camp. This year, is there a chance that with the talent scheduled to be on hand, the number could double? Dwight Williams (Gardena, Calif./Serra) won the linebacker MVP award at this camp last year and has his sights set on the ultimate prize.
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Williams has plenty of Pac-12 interest
February, 13, 2013
Feb 13
8:46
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Los Angeles Dorsey is no stranger to producing FBS talent, and in the 2014 recruiting class, the Dons could have one of the top safeties in the state in David Williams.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety is hearing from Pac-12 programs Arizona State, Colorado, Washington and Washington State the most at this point, and plans to take a closer look at each during the offseason.
This past weekend, Williams took an official visit to Washington for the Huskies' junior day.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety is hearing from Pac-12 programs Arizona State, Colorado, Washington and Washington State the most at this point, and plans to take a closer look at each during the offseason.
This past weekend, Williams took an official visit to Washington for the Huskies' junior day.
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South Carolina gets another ESPN 150 RB
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
10:49
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Fun and gun? How about ground and pound.
Steve Spurrier was known for airing it out with top-flight quarterbacks while at Florida, but he has been piling up the ESPN 150 running backs while at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks added ESPN 150 running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) on Friday, and Williams is the third running back in the ESPN 150 the Gamecocks will sign in the last four classes.
Steve Spurrier was known for airing it out with top-flight quarterbacks while at Florida, but he has been piling up the ESPN 150 running backs while at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks added ESPN 150 running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) on Friday, and Williams is the third running back in the ESPN 150 the Gamecocks will sign in the last four classes.
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CARSON, Calif. -- South Carolina added a headliner to its 2013 recruiting class on Friday, as running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) announced his commitment to the Gamecocks during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
"From the beginning of process, they've been there strong," Williams said of the Gamecocks. "Coach [Steve] Spurrier showed me a lot of interest."
The ESPN 150's No. 124 player becomes the top recruit in South Carolina’s class and will look to fill the role vacated by Marcus Lattimore’s early departure for the NFL draft.
"I think I'll fit in perfectly," Williams said of South Carolina's offense. "I'll come in and have an opportunity to play early."
Williams, 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is one of the more sough-after backs in the Northeast, as the four-star tailback held offers from a number of prominent programs, including Auburn, California, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. He eventually whittled his list to Arizona State, Penn State and South Carolina and took official visits to see the Sun Devils and Gamecocks before settling on Steve Spurrier’s program.
He is commitment No. 20 for South Carolina’s 17th-ranked recruiting class. He is the second ESPN 150 commitment and fourth ESPN 300 commitment for the Gamecocks. Williams put together a tremendous senior season for the Panthers, as he led them to an undefeated regular season and a 14-1 record overall. Williams rushed 195 times for 1,904 yards and 23 touchdowns, including two touchdown runs of more than 90 yards.
With Williams’ commitment, only three of the country’s top 15 running backs remain uncommitted.
"From the beginning of process, they've been there strong," Williams said of the Gamecocks. "Coach [Steve] Spurrier showed me a lot of interest."
The ESPN 150's No. 124 player becomes the top recruit in South Carolina’s class and will look to fill the role vacated by Marcus Lattimore’s early departure for the NFL draft.
"I think I'll fit in perfectly," Williams said of South Carolina's offense. "I'll come in and have an opportunity to play early."
Williams, 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is one of the more sough-after backs in the Northeast, as the four-star tailback held offers from a number of prominent programs, including Auburn, California, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. He eventually whittled his list to Arizona State, Penn State and South Carolina and took official visits to see the Sun Devils and Gamecocks before settling on Steve Spurrier’s program.
With Williams’ commitment, only three of the country’s top 15 running backs remain uncommitted.
Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl preview
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
11:12
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney and
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl should offer plenty of intrigue on the field when it kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. PT from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. With some of the top players from across the country in attendance, recruiting fans will have plenty to keep their eyes on over the course of the game.
West quarterbacks vs. East quarterbacks
In all-star games, the quarterback position almost always receives the most attention, and with it, either praise or scrutiny. This year, the position offers some interesting regional twists, with bragging rights on the line. For the West team, representing the Pac-12 will be Jared Goff (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) and Anu Solomon (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman), committed to Cal and Arizona, respectively. For the East team, and headed to the SEC, are Austin Allen (Fayetteville, Ark./Fayettevills) and Eddie Printz (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter). Allen is headed to Arkansas, with Printz committed to Missouri. Giving the Midwest fans something to watch are Notre Dame quarterback commitment Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), playing for the East squad, and Northwestern commit Matt Alviti (Park Ridge, Ill./Maine Township), who will suit up for the West.
West quarterbacks vs. East quarterbacks
In all-star games, the quarterback position almost always receives the most attention, and with it, either praise or scrutiny. This year, the position offers some interesting regional twists, with bragging rights on the line. For the West team, representing the Pac-12 will be Jared Goff (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) and Anu Solomon (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman), committed to Cal and Arizona, respectively. For the East team, and headed to the SEC, are Austin Allen (Fayetteville, Ark./Fayettevills) and Eddie Printz (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter). Allen is headed to Arkansas, with Printz committed to Missouri. Giving the Midwest fans something to watch are Notre Dame quarterback commitment Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), playing for the East squad, and Northwestern commit Matt Alviti (Park Ridge, Ill./Maine Township), who will suit up for the West.
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ESPN 150 RB Williams ready to decide
December, 23, 2012
12/23/12
2:20
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Philadelphia Imhotep Charter running back David Williams is leaving the Mid-Atlantic.
The ESPN 150 prospect will announce his commitment on Jan. 4 at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Los Angeles.
“Me and my family talked about it after the recruiting period stopped and thought it’d be good,” Williams said.
The ESPN 150 prospect will announce his commitment on Jan. 4 at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Los Angeles.
“Me and my family talked about it after the recruiting period stopped and thought it’d be good,” Williams said.
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Spurrier visits ESPN 150 RB David Williams
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
11:10
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier made his in-home visit with David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) on Tuesday, and it only strengthened the Gamecocks’ lead for the ESPN 150 running back.
Spurrier was joined by area recruiter G.A. Mangus and running backs coach Everette Sands on the visit to the school and then later Williams’ home.
“It went well. My mom and them hit it off,” Williams said. “There was no awkwardness. Everyone was on the same page.”
Spurrier was joined by area recruiter G.A. Mangus and running backs coach Everette Sands on the visit to the school and then later Williams’ home.
“It went well. My mom and them hit it off,” Williams said. “There was no awkwardness. Everyone was on the same page.”
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ESPN 150 RB David Williams names top 3
December, 8, 2012
12/08/12
5:08
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
GERMANTOWN, Pa. -- ESPN 150 tailback David Williams said Saturday afternoon he trimmed his list to three schools: Arizona State, Ohio State and South Carolina.
Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) isn't sure when he might make a decision, but he said it would likely come near signing day. He wants to see each school on an official visit and then talk a potential commitment over with his family.
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PSU could get visit from David Williams
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
1:25
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
First-year program Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia) is in the semifinals of the state championships, and the program is riding ESPN 150 running back David Williams to an undefeated season.
Colleges are coming through Philadelphia daily to meet with Williams, and Arizona State, Miami (Fla.), Penn State and South Carolina have all either come by the school or will be visiting this week, Williams said.
Penn State running backs coach Charles London met with Williams on Tuesday at the school and also had a chance to speak with his mother.
Colleges are coming through Philadelphia daily to meet with Williams, and Arizona State, Miami (Fla.), Penn State and South Carolina have all either come by the school or will be visiting this week, Williams said.
Penn State running backs coach Charles London met with Williams on Tuesday at the school and also had a chance to speak with his mother.
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David Williams cancels Vols official visit
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
11:23
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
The Tennessee commitments are not the only prospects waiting to see what happens with the Volunteers coaching situation in the wake of Derek Dooley's dismissal.
Philadelphia Imhotep Charter running back David Williams told ESPN.com he has canceled his official visit to Tennessee. Williams, No. 124 in the ESPN 150 and No. 13 at his position, was scheduled to take an official visit to Tennessee on Nov. 23.
Williams unofficially visited Rocky Top earlier this year and had the Vols among his favorites. Williams would like to visit Ohio State officially for the Michigan game this weekend, but he has yet to talk to the Buckeyes' coaching staff.
Arizona State, which already received an official visit, Nebraska and South Carolina are among the favorites for Williams.
Philadelphia Imhotep Charter running back David Williams told ESPN.com he has canceled his official visit to Tennessee. Williams, No. 124 in the ESPN 150 and No. 13 at his position, was scheduled to take an official visit to Tennessee on Nov. 23.
Williams unofficially visited Rocky Top earlier this year and had the Vols among his favorites. Williams would like to visit Ohio State officially for the Michigan game this weekend, but he has yet to talk to the Buckeyes' coaching staff.
Arizona State, which already received an official visit, Nebraska and South Carolina are among the favorites for Williams.
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Imhotep Charter housing top Philly talent
October, 22, 2012
10/22/12
10:32
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
PHILADELPHIA -- Imhotep Charter did not field a football team last season. It might be the best program in the city in 2012.
Under former West Catholic assistant Al Crosby, Imhotep Charter has reeled in some of Philadelphia’s best player, including ESPN 150 running back David Williams who has dozens of offers.
The talent does not stop there, however. The roster boasts Division I players in several grades, and Crosby, who won a state championship at West Catholic, has coached them to an undefeated start.
Under former West Catholic assistant Al Crosby, Imhotep Charter has reeled in some of Philadelphia’s best player, including ESPN 150 running back David Williams who has dozens of offers.
The talent does not stop there, however. The roster boasts Division I players in several grades, and Crosby, who won a state championship at West Catholic, has coached them to an undefeated start.
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David Williams reschedules visit to Vols
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
8:07
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Any running back consolation prize after missing out on Derrick Henry will not come next weekend for Tennessee.
Running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter), No. 123 in the ESPN 150, will no longer make a visit to Tennessee beginning the weekend of Oct. 19.
Both Williams and Imhotep Charter coach Al Crosby reported the official visit will still take place, though. The No. 13 running back nationally is planning to officially visit Knoxville on Nov. 23.
Running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter), No. 123 in the ESPN 150, will no longer make a visit to Tennessee beginning the weekend of Oct. 19.
Both Williams and Imhotep Charter coach Al Crosby reported the official visit will still take place, though. The No. 13 running back nationally is planning to officially visit Knoxville on Nov. 23.
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2014 S David Williams is on the radar
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
8:17
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
There are some talented seniors in the Los Angeles Dorsey secondary, but college coaches have taken note of junior safety David Williams as well.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete, who serves as a wide receiver as well, is already hearing from schools across the country. He has received letters and talked to coaches from Arizona State, California, Michigan, Ohio, UCLA, UTEP, Washington and Washington State.
"Mainly right now it's Washington and Washington State, but I've been receiving a lot of mail from Cal," Williams said. "They basically just tell me to play my game and work hard."
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete, who serves as a wide receiver as well, is already hearing from schools across the country. He has received letters and talked to coaches from Arizona State, California, Michigan, Ohio, UCLA, UTEP, Washington and Washington State.
"Mainly right now it's Washington and Washington State, but I've been receiving a lot of mail from Cal," Williams said. "They basically just tell me to play my game and work hard."
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