Ishaq Williams, one of the country's elite defensive players, committed his talents to the Irish this morning. Williams, a standout WDE from Brooklyn's Abraham Lincoln High School, was most recently acclaimed as one of the dominant forces in the Army All-American Bowl where he was to announce his choice between Notre Dame, Syracuse and Penn State.
This year's second-ranked WDE deferred his decision and scheduled an official visit to Penn State this weekend. Since Ishaq intended to enter college early with classes beginning at Penn State this past Monday and at Syracuse and Notre Dame this Tuesday, fans held their breath alternating between anticipation, anxiety and panic.
Following a visit by Bob Diaco at 4:30 AM, Ishaq was ready to declare for the Irish. Irish Sports Daily reports Shaun Williams, his father, said: "Ishaq is Irish. See you in South Bend." Shaun had been seen wearing a Notre Dame cap while watching practices at the Army All-American game.
A natural pass rusher, Williams, at 6'6", 230#, and 4.65 speed, will fit perfectly into the Cat OLB position in Diaco's 3-4 scheme and has a long, lean frame to add more weight. His speed allows him to reach the QB quickly or chase down RBs. Williams' commitment gives the Irish seven verbal commitments in their front seven in the 2011 class.. However, Kelly has some flexibility since two of our commitments have also played on the offensive line.
Ishaq Williams comes from a strong family environment with a commitment to education. Both parents are educators, graduating from Syracuse.
Williams is also the Northeast region's top player in this year's class, is ranked the 29th player overall by ESPN for 2011, earned a five star by Scout and had also declined offers from Florida, Alabama, USC, Ohio State and Oklahoma among many others. With Williams' commitment, Scout ranks Notre Dame currently as the fifth best recruiting class for 2011.
Ishaq's commitment can hardly be understated, since not only is he a huge talent and our top prospect at the position, but OLB is a position of need for the Irish, as Bob Diaco retools the Irish defense targeting powerful DEs and speed at OLB.
Welcome to the Irish family, Ishaq. See you soon in South Bend.