Damien
La Verne, California defensive back Gavin Williams announced a scholarship offer from Miami on Wednesday, posting the news on Twitter:
Williams, a 6-foot-1, 180 pound safety, ranks among the top defensive backs in the early 2027 cycle. 247Sports lists him as a four-star prospect, the No. 8 safety in the nation and No. 12 player in California. He plays safety and corner for Damien High School and built a reputation as a rangy back-end eraser. He closes space in a hurry, tracks the ball with receiver-like instincts and finishes with physicality at the catch point. That skill set fits neatly with what defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman wants from Miami’s safeties: coverage range, position versatility and willingness to strike. The offer reflects Miami’s continued push into California.
Williams already holds offers from USC, UCLA, Texas, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama and Washington, among many others, and recently cut his list to 10 schools as his recruitment started to trend into blue-blood slugfest territory. Williams visited USC multiple times during the fall, checked out Ohio State and Notre Dame, and spent time at Texas A&M.
Now, Miami joins that chase with a clear angle. The staff can sell recent development wins in the secondary, a defense that leans on aggressive safety play and a path toward early playing time in a scheme that lets versatile DBs move around. Safeties Coach Will Harris already has West Coast ties.
By the time the 2027 class arrives, several current safeties will move on, and Miami wants length and ball production on the back end. Williams checks those boxes with his frame, speed and multi-position experience, plus he competes every snap with an edge that matches the identity Hetherman promotes.
2027 prospects still have a long way in their recruitment, but getting an offer on the table now keeps Miami in the conversation as Williams narrows things further and lines up official trips. If the staff pulls him down to Coral Gables for a visit, Miami could have a real shot at the West Coast product.
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