2017 Florida RB Maleek Williams Verbally Commits to Arkansas Razorbacks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Arkansas stole one away from the state of Florida and out from underneath the University of Illinois on Saturday when Class of 2017 running back Maleek Williams verbally committed to the Razorbacks.
Williams became more involved in Charlotte High School’s (Punta Gorda) offense during his sophomore season returning four kickoffs for 88 yards while carrying the pigskin 39 times for 206 yards with two scores. That output was increased in 2015 with 59 totes covering 664 yards finding the end zone on the ground 12 times.
Many not familiar with the Fightin’ Tarpons may wonder why Williams has not received more touches to date during his high school career. He was playing behind Class of 2016 standout Elijah Mack. Mack rushed for 1,120 yards with 16 scores in 2014 and 1,280 yards with 23 touchdowns during the 2015 schedule. Mack had offers to top programs across the country like Arizona, East Carolina, Indiana, Central Florida, and Cincinnati but opted to stay closer to home signing with South Florida.
The duo helped Charlotte to a 12-1 mark last season making a run into the 6A Florida playoffs before falling to Naples.
Williams is the real deal with a chance to take over the Fightin’ Tarpons offense during his senior year. The listed 6’0”, 215 pound, talent is shifty, quick in space, and has elite speed. Once he sees the hole, he turns on the jets and keeps his balance through first contact fighting for more yards.
Arkansas fought off offers from Colorado, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Florida, Minnesota, Purdue, Cincinnati, Boston College, Florida Atlantic, and Kentucky, among others, for his commitment. Arkansas offered Williams on April 6. Williams’ commitment to Arkansas did not look strong with the Florida talent naming Illinois as his leader earlier in the week.
The announcement went public via Twitter with Williams posting, “Feels good to be a Hawg! #Wpppigsooie #Committed.”
The Razorbacks now have 10 verbal commitments to their 2017 class. All but one, linebacker Derrick Munson, are slated to play on the offensive side of the ball with the Hogs.
Arkansas Razorbacks 2017 Verbal Commitment List (10)
LB Derrick Munson, 6-0, 195, Archbishop Rummel, Metairie, LA
OL/DL Shane Clenin, 6-6, 285, Jefferson HS, Festus, MO
OT Kirby Adcock, 6-5, 280, Nashville HS, Nashville, AR
QB Daulton Hyatt, 6-3, 178, Etowah HS, Attalla, AL
RB Maleek Williams, 6-0, 215, Punta Gorda HS, Charlotte, FL
WR Maleek Barkley, 5-11, 185, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, NV
WR Jarrod Barnes, 5-11, 170, Cabot HS, Cabot, AR
WR Koilan Jackson, 6-3, 203, Robinson HS, Little Rock, AR
WR Jon Nance, 6-2, 180, Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C., Perinston, MS
WR/ATH Devion Warren, 5-10, 170, Ouachita Parish HS, Monroe, LA
Photo credit: twitter.com; Maleek Williams with Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema.