2020 ATH/DB Joel Williams

Less than a month since committing to Florida, four-star cornerback Joel Williams backed off his pledge to the Gators on Monday. The Baton Rouge (La.) Madison Prep Academy standout originally committed to UF after a multi-day visit to campus in May. Williams announced the move through his Twitter account that evening.

"I am extremely humbled and thankful for the opportunity that God has presented me with," Williams posted. "I am blessed to have great parents and coaches who have guided me throughout this process. Earning an offer to play at the University of Florida was a dream come true and I would like to start by saying thank you to to the University of Florida staff for all the support during my recruiting process. There is no love lost for the Gator family and I am forever grateful for the relationships that I've built with them...

"After discussion with my family and coaches we have decided that is in my best interest to de-commit from the University of Florida and fully re-open my recruitment. I would like make sure that my decision is 100-percent and I just need more time."

Williams originally picked Florida over Tennessee and LSU. However, Williams recently attended a summer camp session at Alabama and picked off an offer from the Crimson Tide. It appears Williams will visit the Tide again later this month too. Williams is also coming off a recent trip to Auburn as well.

The prospects currently committed to UF include Ocala (Fla.) Vanguard five-star wide receiver Leonard Manuel, Tampa (Fla.) Middleton four-star defensive tackle Johnnie Brown, Lake Wales (Fla.) four-star defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, Dunnellon (Fla.) four-star wide receiver Jaquavion Fraziars, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall four-star cornerback Avery Helm, Gainesville (Fla.) Eastside four-star quarterback Anthony Richardson, Valdosta (Ga.) three-star athlete Jaheim Bell, Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson defensive end/outside linebacker Morven Joseph, Miami (Fla.) Christian School three-star offensive guard Jovens Janvier, Marietta (Ga.) three-star safety Rashad Torrence II, Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit three-star tight end Jonathan Odom, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Cardinal Gibbons three-star offensive tackle Gerald Mincey, and Homerville (Ga.) Clinch County four-star tight end Jeremiah Johnson.

The 247Sports Composite, an industry generated average, currently ranks Williams as the nation’s No. 306 overall prospect and the No. 17 athlete in the 2020 recruiting class.