In recruiting, as in life, everything happens for a reason, and the recruitment of Deionte Williams took several twists and turns along the way, but the former Miami Northwestern star has found a home at Youngstown State.
Williams, 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, played for West Hills (CA) Community College the past two seasons, and was close to signing with several Division-I schools, but things never worked out for the safety.
"I was ready to go to Northern Michigan, a Division-II college, when Youngstown State called me last week," Williams stated. "(Assistant coach) Frank Buffano called me and said Youngstown State had a full scholarship for me, and that was too good to turn down. They have a new head coach in Eric Wolford, and I know that's a great place for me. I'm going to report to Youngstown next Tuesday."
"I'm so happy to be playing for such a great program, especially when it looked like things were going to work out for so many other schools," he continued. "But there's no reason to look back at all, and I'm ready to contribute to YSU."
Although there will be serious competition for the defensive back spots, Williams is hoping to prove himself worthy of instant playing time.
"I'm going up there to work my tail off, listen to my coaches, and get on the field," he stressed. "Playing junior college the past two years has made me better, and I'm ready to be coached by this staff. I think I can add weight and strength in their weight program, and if they think I should red-shirt a year, I'd be willing to do that."
"I know the history of Youngstown State, and how they won championships under Jim Tressel," Williams explained. "I think Coach Wolford can do the same thing, and I'm very excited to be a part of their program."
After the transfer from West Hills, Williams will have two years of eligibility remaining, to be completed in three years.