Atlanta-Pace Academy cornerback Mbiti Williams visited Clemson on Saturday with some of the other top prospects from Georgia.
The Clemson Insider caught up with Williams, a freshman in the class of 2020 who already holds offers from Florida State and Tennessee State.
“It was great,” Williams said of the visit. “We toured the facilities. We got to go on the field and get a feel of everything, talk to the coaches and watch practice. It was really fun.”
Williams had the opportunity to talk with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and defensive backs coach Mike Reed, both of whom emphasized the importance of education.
“They talked about getting your education right and making sure you stay on top of your books,” Williams said.
Several aspects of the visit stood out to Williams, including the new football complex that is under construction.
“One of the things about the visit that stood out is all that they’re going to do for the players,” Williams said. “The recruiting is really good, too, because they had some great guys out there at practice like Deshaun Watson, Wayne Gallman and some freshmen.”
Tennessee State first offered Williams in June 2015. Most recently, after an impressive showing by Williams at Florida State’s camp this summer, the Seminoles extended an offer on June 16.
“It felt really great,” Williams said of the offer from Florida State. “It meant a lot because I went to a camp and showed them what I can do. It was really amazing.”
What would it mean to Williams if Clemson offered down the line?
“It would mean a lot,” Williams said. “You want to start early because if not, there’s so much pressure with school and thinking about which college you’re going to go to.
“It would be amazing because it would be another opportunity. That’s what things are all about, having an opportunity to go to college, get your degree, graduate and have a chance for the NFL.”
Pace Academy opens the season at West Forsyth on Friday. In his first career varsity game, Williams will play both ways as a corner, safety and nickelback on defense, and slot receiver on offense.
Defensively, Williams feels he brings strong technique to the table for his team.
“I can play man and zone, and I know all the positions, coverages and what to do,” Williams said. “I can tackle, also, but the main thing is my technique. I’ve been working on that the past few years.”
Williams is appreciative of the early offers he has, and said they provide extra motivation to continue working hard.
“It’s very exciting,” Williams said. “It drives me to keep working. It’s a privilege, and I think God for everything.”
The 5-foot-8, 145-pounder has an idea of what he will be important to him when he makes a college decision in a few years.
“One of the main things will be education,” Williams said, “chances of playing time and if it feels like home.”