The Gophers added a second quarterback to this year’s recruiting class overnight, when DeMarcus Williams, from Jackson, Al., gave them a verbal commitment ahead of today's signing day.
Williams joins former East Ridge standout Seth Green as quarterbacks who are expected to sign with the Gophers on Wednesday, for national signing day.
Both are dual threat quarterbacks, but the 6-1, 190-pound Williams is more of an under-the-radar talent, a consensus two-star recruit who picked Minnesota over Jacksonville State, the FCS school where former Gophers quarterback Max Shortell transferred in 2013.
The Gophers had long planned to sign two quarterbacks in this year’s class, with Mitch Leidner entering his senior year and Demry Croft entering his sophomore year. The Gophers shifted their focus to Williams once Jay Johnson was hired as offensive coordinator.
While Williams’ stated preference is to play quarterback, he has the athletic ability to switch to another position, if needed. He announced his commitment on Twitter:
I thank God,my coaches,family,& teammates for everything. I am proud to say,I will take my talent to The University of Minnesota! #GoGophers
— DeMarcus Williams (@_MarkTho) February 3, 2016
Megan Ryan is a sports reporter at the Star Tribune covering college sports, including Gophers football and hockey. Ryan covered Minnesota United FC during its first two years of existence. She previously spent two years at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette covering Penn State football, Robert Morris basketball and high school sports. Email Megan to talk about the Gophers.
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