Four-Star Tight End Riley Williams Commits To Miami Over Bama, Ohio State

In the last 30 years, Miami can make a strong claim for “Tight End U.” The list of NFL tight ends that played their college ball at the University of Miami goes as far back as 1968 with Jim Cox selected in the second round of the draft, to 2000 when Bubba Franks became the first Hurricanes first-rounder to be drafted to the NFL, to most recently Brevin Jordan drafted in the fifth round in 2021.

Riley Williams (6-7, 230) (IMG Academy, FL) seems to be the next in the long lineage of great tight ends at ‘The U.’ The Portland, Oregon (Central Catholic) product made his pledge to Miami over Alabama and Ohio State this afternoon.

"It's a long enjoyable process," said Williams. "Going to these schools, checking them out, and seeing what they have to show me."

Miami Head Coach Mario Cristobal established a relationship with Oregon wide receiver and brother Korbin Williams during his time as head coach at Oregon.

"It was really that relationship that I already had established with Coach Cristobal," said Williams just after his commitment to Miami. He already knew about me as Korbin's little big brother. It's just awesome. That played a huge role."

The towering tight end took official visits to Alabama, Ohio State, and Oregon before deciding on Miami. Williams is the fifth four-star prospect to commit to Miami in just over two weeks.

Williams also made a commitment to play closer to his future home earlier this month with his commitment to play his senior season at IMG Academy. Miami target Jayden Wayne committed to play for IMG shortly after Williams made his pledge.

"There were multiple times where I didn't feel like I should go, said Williams. "But in the end, I go with my family was the best decision for me. Being able to play the best competition in the nation weekly and practicing against the best competition on a daily basis.

Williams is the third tight end to commit to Miami in less than a month's time. The Canes added Reid Mikeska (6-5, 230) (Bridgeland, TX), and Jackson Carver (6-6, 220) (Loomis Chaffee, CT) to the 2023 recruiting class. Miami came into the day with the 27th-ranked class in the nation.

Miami likely has completed the recruiting process for the position and can look to the future to the 2024 class. Landen Thomas, Colquitt County, GA, Martavious Collins, Rome, GA, Michael Smith, Calvary Day, GA, AJ Pugliano, North Medford, OR, and Walter Matthews, Hiram, GA are names to know for the 2024 cycle.

A long strider that covers much ground and gets to open spaces. Most impressive is his ability to get chunk yards after the catch. Is able to line up out wide and shed initial contact to get open. Has a large catch radius and reliable hands.

Williams finished his junior season with 36 catches for 889 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Williams drives his opposition forward as a blocker using his legs in the run game. Once engaged, Williams can pass block at a decent level because of his sheer size. Williams is projecting to be a 5-7 round pick but has a high ceiling.

He also played basketball in high school and his game has a resemblance to former Miami Hurricane Jimmy Graham.