Pallotti (MD) four-star linebacker Gabe Williams has become such a familiar face inside Jones-Hill House that he’s established relationships with nearly everyone in the building—from head coach Mike Locksley to the position coaches to the recruiting analysts. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker returned to College Park last week where he got a more individualized visit with him and his family on campus.
“We took a photoshoot but then it was straight to business. I sat down with [Lance Thompson], I met the safeties coach, talked to coach [Mike] Locksley for a good 45 minutes. Him and my family, we were just talking I think what he called the Locks philosophy.”
Former running backs coach Elijah Brooks once led the way for the priority in-state target, but it’s inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson now leading the way as the two have built a strong rapport. Locksley, however, made his case known for why the hometown school should be in the mix. “He was telling me how I’m their number one linebacker, defensive athlete on the board. I don’t need to go to the Bamas, the Ohio States. I can do it right at home. If I get on board early, I can help recruit. His ultimate goal is to win a national championship but he told me I can get to the league from anywhere.”
— Gabriel_williams (@8kgabe1) March 15, 2023
While Williams has enjoyed the national flavor that has gradually overtaken his offer list with schools like Notre Dame, USC, Ole Miss and West Virginia in the mix, he’s flirted with the idea of making the cross-country trip to play his college ball on the west coast but staying local is something he’s given a lot of thought.
“I have a big family and I’m a big family guy. If I stay here and don’t go far, that’ll be a blessing.”
No school has hosted Williams more than Maryland throughout his recruitment and as he and Maryland are finalizing an official visit for the second weekend in June, Williams has a clear picture of where Maryland stands.
“I’m not there yet but they’re up there,” Williams said when asked if Maryland leads. “I just have to see some other places. I want to go to that place that fits me, but I know people always see me posting Maryland pics. It’s definitely up there but if I had to make a decision today, I’d go to Maryland.”
In addition to Maryland, Williams plans to take summer official visits to USC, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia Tech.
Williams is rated a four-star prospect and a 92 overall by On3, sitting as the second-best prospect in Maryland and the 107th-best in the country.
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