Louisville Lands Dynamic Two-Way Talent in Carrollwood Day’s Williams
Louisville’s 2025 recruiting class just got a major boost with the addition of one of Florida’s most versatile high school standouts. Williams, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound athlete out of Carrollwood Day High School in Tampa, officially committed to the Cardinals on June 20, 2025, after taking an official visit to campus in May. While he made his name as a two-way threat at the high school level, Williams is expected to focus on wide receiver once he arrives in Louisville.
And make no mistake-this is a big get for the Cardinals.
Williams was one of the more sought-after athletes in the 2025 cycle, with offers from a laundry list of major programs including Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Penn State. But in the end, it came down to Louisville, Ole Miss, Rutgers, and Missouri, with the Cardinals winning out after hosting him on an official visit that clearly resonated.
A Playmaker on Both Sides of the Ball
Williams isn’t just a name on a recruiting board-he’s a stat-sheet stuffer. Rated as a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and the 247Sports Composite, he checks in as the No. 572 overall player in the country, the No. 40 athlete nationally, and the No. 82 overall prospect in Florida. That’s no small feat in a state as loaded with football talent as the Sunshine State.
During his junior season, Williams lit it up on offense. In 10 games tracked by MaxPreps, he hauled in 39 receptions for 873 yards and five touchdowns. That’s an eye-popping 22.4 yards per catch-proof that he’s not just a possession guy, but a legitimate vertical threat who can stretch the field and flip field position in a heartbeat.
But he didn’t stop there. On defense, Williams added 25 tackles (21 solo), a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup-showing that he’s more than capable of holding his own in coverage and coming downhill to make stops. His senior season saw him continue to produce on both sides of the ball, with over 700 receiving yards and consistent contributions on defense, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most complete athletes in his class.
Why Louisville?
This wasn’t just about facilities or playing time-it was about connection. Williams pointed to his relationship with Louisville wide receivers coach Gunter Brewer and the rest of the staff as a major factor in his decision.
In particular, he highlighted his bond with Coach Branch, saying, “Me and Coach Branch are more heart-to-heart and connect on that level. He has been there and done that at Louisville and in the NFL, so that was big too.
I trust [him] to develop me and that was a gigantic factor.”
That kind of trust and mentorship matters, especially for a young player looking to make the jump from high school standout to college contributor. Williams also praised the atmosphere around the program, noting how welcoming the environment felt during his visit. “The hospitality, the area around the school and the coaches all factored into my decision,” he said.
What He Brings to the Cardinals
Louisville is getting a long, athletic receiver with great hands, a wide catch radius, and the kind of explosiveness that can change a game in one play. His high school tape shows a player who can win contested catches, beat defenders over the top, and create yards after the catch. Add in his experience on defense, and you get a player who understands route concepts from both sides of the ball-something that can give him an edge in reading coverages and finding soft spots in the defense.
He’s expected to enroll in January, giving him a head start on learning the playbook and getting acclimated to the college game. That early arrival could be key in helping him compete for reps as a freshman, especially if he shows the same playmaking instincts that made him a star in Tampa.
The Bottom Line
Williams is the kind of athlete you want in your locker room-versatile, productive, and grounded in his relationships with the coaching staff. While he’s projected to line up at wide receiver in college, his background as a two-way player gives him a toughness and football IQ that should translate well to the next level. With his blend of size, speed, and ball skills, Williams has the tools to become a difference-maker for Louisville’s offense in the years to come.