Antonio Williams has positive message for Gamecocks as he signs to play for Clemson
Antonio Williams expected to get some sort of backlash from either the South Carolina or Clemson fan base once he announced his college decision.
Williams made a public decision last week for the Tigers over the Gamecocks, Auburn and Ole Miss. On Wednesday, the Dutch Fork High School standout receiver signed his letter of intent to play for Clemson in a ceremony at Fox Field.
He talked about his decision for the Tigers and the reaction that came with it from Gamecock fans.
“Of course, they are going to feel some sort of way because I didn’t go to their school,” said Williams, who was joined by his family and teammates and coaches. “But at the end of the day, I had to make the best decision for me, my future and my family.”
Williams said some of the reasons he picked the Tigers were their on-field success in recent years and their ability to put receivers in the NFL. Currently, there are 10 former Clemson receivers playing in the NFL — including All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins and Hunter Renfrow, who leads the Raiders in receiving.
“The development of their receivers and being able to put them in the league,” Williams said. “There is proof in the pudding. They have those that get there and prove it.
“... They already have a winning mentality up there and a winning tradition. I think I can add to that.”
Williams had nothing but positive things to say about South Carolina coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks’ program. USC was one of his first Power 5 offers last year and were relentless in their pursuit of him.
Most of the entire USC staff attended Williams’ state championship game Dec. 4.
“USC is a great program with a great fan base and coaches,” Williams said. “They have a great recruiting class and they are headed in the right direction. It is a great school.”
Williams is part of a big in-state recruiting class for the Tigers, who signed four of the top five prospects in the state of South Carolina on Wednesday. The class includes Myrtle Beach receiver Adam Randall, Mauldin defensive back Jeadyn Lukas and Greenville offensive lineman Collin Sadler.
Clemson is losing receivers Justyn Ross, Frank Ladson and Ajou Ajou, so Williams hopes he can contribute right away.
Williams caught 85 passes for 1,625 yards and 20 total touchdowns this season. He was voted Richland County Player of the Year and MaxPreps’ S.C. Player of the Year.
Williams also will play in the Under Armour All-American game on Jan. 2 and is playing with the Dutch Fork basketball team. He saw time at point guard in the Silver Foxes’ game against A.C. Flora on Tuesday.
“I’m just ready to work and excited to be a Tiger,” Williams said.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 5:15 PM with the headline "Antonio Williams has positive message for Gamecocks as he signs to play for Clemson."
