Florida signs 4-star WR Justin Williams

On Wednesday, Florida Football signed four-star wide receiver Justin Williams, a dual-threat athlete out of Buchholz in Gainesville, Florida.

Williams committed to Florida State on an official visit the weekend of June 6. The firing of Billy Napier left Williams keeping his options open, but he was considered a Florida State commit for much of the fall. Florida wide receivers coach and interim head coach Billy Gonzalez is spearheading the recruitment. Williams hopes Gonzalez remains with the program.

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“It depends on the coach they bring in, there’s a lot of factors; if they still want me, if they even like me,” Williams told Swamp247 after Napier was sacked. “There’s a lot that goes into it. I’m just going to take my time, be open and go from there.”

After Napier was fired, Florida State, Kentucky and Indiana pursued him, but none emerged as serious contenders by November. Florida State’s own struggles prevented the Seminoles from pursuing Williams forcefully, and Kentucky slowly faded away from the game. Indiana continued to reach out, but Florida’s proximity to home kept Williams in the Sunshine State. He visited several times throughout the season.

“My mom only has to drive 20 minutes to come to my games,” Williams told Swamp247 when he originally committed. “It’s really cool. I get to see all my friends sitting in the stands.”

A true athlete, Williams is the first high school senior in Florida in more than 20 years to rush and receive for 1,000 yards in the same season, joining Devin Hester in 2002. He projects as a wide receiver in college, which is where Florida State positions him, but Williams could still be a threat in the run game — both in and out of the backfield.

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He rose to No. 193 in the 247Sports composite rankings after falling from No. 205.

Player profile

Player notes

• Named a unanimous four-star prospect in the 2026 signing class by Rivals, 247 Sports and ESPN.

• Ranked as the No. 153 prospect in the country by Rivals, the No. 17 player in the state, and the No. 9 WR in the country by 247 Sports.

• Became the first high school player in Florida to rush and receive for more than 1,000 yards in the same season since Devin Hester in 2002.

  • Williams totaled 108 carries, 1,023 yards and 16 touchdowns in his historic 2024 season, adding 85 receptions, 1,473 yards and 13 touchdowns.

• Seven touchdowns in a single game set a Bachholz record.

• Earned 2024 Sports Illustrated Florida High School Offensive Player of the Year honors.

• Named Gainesville Sun’s All-Area Offensive Player of the Year.

• 2024 Florida Dairy Farmers 6A Mr. Football Award Finalist.

• A multi-sport athlete, he also played baseball throughout high school.

• Choose Florida over Florida, Indiana, Louisville, Missouri, North Carolina, Mississippi, Utah, etc.

Recruitment Summary

Andrew Ivins, 247Sports Director of Scouting:

• A unique combo player who can score as both a running back and wide receiver at the prep level and should bring that same versatility to the next level.

• Best described as a tough and competitive football player who is able to make the most of his touches on the ball – both on and off the ball.

• Built more like a running back and plays like a running back in that he lowers his shoulder pads and initiates contact.

• He is quite decisive as a ball-handler, as he rarely wastes moves, power forward, and often takes advantage of opportunities given to him by the defense.

• He flashes natural hands when he’s open, or he opens his hands and absorbs hits when he’s in heavy traffic.

• Not quite a burner, but has good game speed and good foot speed.

• The ceiling appears to be highest as a third base running back who can target heavily out of the backfield but can certainly be a dependable interior receiver. “

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football recruiting signs WR Justin Williams