Alabama Receiver Jarel Williams Talks About Iowa Opportunity

September 18, 2020

Written by Rob Howe

Hawkeye Nation

Iowa just recently made contact with Jarel Williams. Its relationship with the Alabama receiver is off to a good start and shows promise.

The Hawkeyes offered Williams a scholarship on Wednesday. It followed opportunities he’d already received from Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky and Tennessee.

“It feels great to get an offer, not only from Iowa, but from any school. I’m thankful for it. It’s a blessing to see that now my hard work is starting to pay off,” Williams told HN.

Assistant Derrick Foster is leading Iowa’s recruitment of Williams in his home state. He first made contact with the receiver about a week ago.

“So far he seems to be very genuine and passionate. We expect to talk more and build a greater relationship,” Williams said.

He comes from a military family that has moved around. He’s not intimidated by going away from home for college.

“Iowa is not only a great school on the field, but they’re great academically. I just would love to take a visit and see the campus and facilities in person,” he said.

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That won’t happen this year. The NCAA dead period now runs through Dec. 31 as a result of COVID-19 concerns. High school players can’t take campus visits or meet with college coaches in person until Jan. 1, at the earliest.

As a Saraland (AL) High sophomore, Williams (6-3, 175) caught 26 passes for 392 yards and six touchdowns. He reported a 3.93 GPA and a 22 on the ACT.

“I think I can be effective in many phases of the game, being able to go get the deep ball and win one-on-one matches,” he said.

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With almost two years remaining before graduation, Williams is not rushing his recruitment. He’s building relationships and being deliberate about finding a college home.

“I’m taking it one day at a time, enjoying the process. My main focus right now is on our high school season. I do not have a time table of when I will commit,” he said.

A couple of schools have shown him the most interest to date.

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“Right now, I probably talk the most with Tennessee and Kansas State,” he said.

Rivals lists him as a three-star prospect, the No. 44 receiver nationally in the 2022 Class and the 15th best player regardless of position in Alabama for the cycle.

Here’s a look at Williams’ sophomore highlights:

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