Preston Williams executed a double move on the Mays High School corner, faked him out badly, went up for the ball, bobbled it, then tipped it to himself for a 9-yard TD. It was a play that showed his pure athleticism and skill that all Tennessee fans are looking forward to seeing over the next couple of years.
The 6-foot-4 receiver from Lovejoy High School in Hampton, Ga., knows he has what it takes to produce in the SEC. Through five games this season, Williams has over 500 yards, and the 17-year-old receiver is very confident in his abilities.
Preston Williams does it all for Lovejoy. On this play, he took a handoff around the outside for a first down.
"When you look at me, I'm an SEC level receiver," Williams said. "I could easily go to the west coast and break some records and then people will tell you, you aren't doing anything."
Breaking records for Tennessee is on the 5-star receiver's mind, but more importantly, winning games is what Williams wants to do. He says Tennessee is going to be something special in the next couple of years.
"We're recruiting hard, man. Right now, we're young, but come next year, the year after, and three years from now, we're going to be a team to watch out for. You can believe that."
He's right. Tennessee is recruiting hard. In the past week alone, the Volunteers got commits from 5-star defensive tackle Shy Tuttle and 4-star defensive tackle Darrell Taylor. When you add Williams to the mix, the Vols have one of the best classes of 2015. According to 247Sports, Tennessee has the fifth-best recruiting class for next season.
Williams' highlight reel:
Williams is a verbal commit right now. That means he can change his mind until he signs on the dotted line. It's scary, though, because high school kids change their minds daily. Verbal commits change as frequently as you and I change clothes. But Williams doesn't come off as a kid who is going to bail on Tennessee. He wants to be a part of something special. He feels that Tennessee is his second home.
"That's the house. I love everyone up there. I fell in love with it really quick."
"There's nothing like the atmosphere in Knoxville. I can't wait to put on the orange and white and catch some touchdowns."
Being 6-foot-4, Williams has a serious height advantage over opposing cornerbacks.
Williams wouldn't say that if he wasn't serious. This is a kid who has offers from powerhouses such as Alabama, Florida State, Auburn and Georgia. But Tennessee has his heart. Williams can't wait to produce in college and show everyone that he is one of the best receivers in the nation.
"I want to see what I can do at the SEC level. I can compete anywhere, but I know that the SEC is the big boy league and I'm a big boy."
He's ready for the spotlight and ready for 102,455 fans at Neyland Stadium to scream his name on Saturdays.
"I can't wait to be a part of Vol nation."
