Miner Illustrated's Chris Avila is reporting that UTEP has received a commitment from Irving, TX, (Ranchview) running back prospect Xavier Williams. According to Rivals, the 5'11, 195lb. back has 4.55 speed. He doubles for the 3A program as a track star that runs a solid 11.19 in the 100 meter dash. Williams was a second team All District 11-3A running back selection.
Williams had a breakout performance at the ESPN Rise camp. There, he caught the eye of ESPN Rise's Brian Stumpf who thinks Xavier could be a "big time steal." Stumpf wrote the following glowing review of Williams:
Xavier Williams, Ranchview (Irving, Texas) -- RB
In a state already loaded with running back prospects for the Class of 2011, someone could get a big-time steal in Xavier "Xay" Williams. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound running back was one of the most physically impressive prospects at the combine in terms of his build, and tested with a 4.64 40, 38-foot power ball and 97.98 SPARQ Rating. Williams ran for 502 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall on just 67 carries, while also catching 26 passes for another 395 yards and five touchdowns.
Williams, physically, has all the tools. I'm most excited by his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. 26 receptions and five receiving touchdowns as a running back? He sounds like he could be a heck of a find for the Miners in 2011.
The 2011 Class Now Looks Like This:
1. Brandon Durant (OLB) from Copperas Cove. More Here on his signing.
2. A.C. Patterson (Center) from Las Vegas and son of UTEP defensive coordinator Andre Patterson.
3. Wardell Crutchfield III (OLB) out of Baldwin Park, California. More here on his signing.
Also, don't forget UTEP is bringing in another OLB commit, ex-Louisville Cardinal, Horace Miller. Miller, another outside linebacker, will presumably sit out 2010 per NCAA transfer rules and essentially be a member of UTEP's 2011 class minus one year of eligibility.