Syracuse football landed a commitment from the top player in New York State, athlete Darien Williams out of CBA in Syracuse, on Saturday. He picked the Orange over offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Colorado and others.
"The main thing is they had everything I really wanted," Williams said. "The high energy they had when I went to the workouts. They really have the true love and passion for the sport. I feel like the coaching staff have a true bond already with them just coming in a few months ago. They're building a strong brotherhood and love for each other already. Also, Fran Brown played a big part as to why. He's a really honest guy. I liked his personality and vibe. He's a great coach and it will be great to be coached by him.
"The other part is I feel like I can be successful academically and athletically. I know football is not always going to be there forever. So I can go on and be a successful man after college when football is done."
Williams visited Syracuse earlier this month and picked up his offer on the visit. Less than a couple of weeks later he committed to the Orange.
"They just really think I can excel the most there," Williams said. "They've been in contact almost every single day especially since I'm a hometown kid, saying how I can bring a lot of attention with me being number one in the state. Just with the athlete I am and being my hometown, they think I can bring a lot of support. They love my athletic ability and the fact that I'm a hometown kid."
In most cycles, the top kid in the state is from down-state. In fact, the last time the top player in New York was not from down-state was in the 2016 cycle when Jake Zembiec out of Rochester held the number one spot (per 247Sports). This year, obviously, that is not the case with Williams earning that title from Central New York.
"I think my speed plays a big part," Williams said. "Another thing is, when I ran good in states, I ran a 10.8 (100-meters) and placed good at states, I was technically 15. I'm young for my grade. I should really be a sophomore. So I think that's the big thing is me running those times and being a 15 year old really stands out. Also my ability to make plays on the ball. Anytime the ball is in the air I'll just go get it. Then my athleticism and things like that. My speed, my hands and my athleticism makes me be a really good receiver or be a good DB if I train at it."
Williams' skill set, as he mentioned, suggests he has the potential to translate to multiple positions at the collegiate level. That was attractive from the Syracuse perspective as well. While Williams could end up on the offensive side of the ball, he has an inkling he may end up playing defense.
"Right now, they're bringing me in as an athlete, but I think they're more learning towards having me as a corner," Williams said.
Once Williams was ready to make his decision, the next step was to tell the coaches.
"They were definitely excited," Williams said. "When I was on the phone with coach Fran, I could definitely see a smile on his face. He was hyped and excited. He thinks me and him can end up doing great things, building a strong relationship. Then right after, I got a text from all the coaches saying congrats and how proud they were and they're ready to get to work."
Williams' head coach at CBA was former Syracuse wide receiver Bruce Williams. Coach Williams played at Syracuse as a hometown recruit, and that experience was something the younger Williams was able to lean on during the process.
"He definitely helped guide me throughout this whole thing," Williams said. "Not even with just Syracuse but with all the coaches. I really couldn't have done this without him. He brought the attention to me. Definitely with considering Syracuse it was great to have him because he actually has been there and knows how it and what they have to offer. With him, I just had a true guide and someone who could help me through all this."
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