Notre Dame transfer Jhonathon Williams granted release, visits Michigan tomorrow

Submitted by Wolverine Devotee on

Former Notre Dame DE and Berrien Springs (Mich.) native Jhonathon Williams has his release to #Michigan and will visit Ann Arbor tomorrow

— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) June 17, 2015

Was a 3 star prospect in 2014. 

Was originally committed to Missouri but decommitted and signed with ND.

Dawkins

June 17th, 2015 at 9:54 PM ^

He says he's transfering due to "family issues" involving his Mom. I know he's from Benton Harbor. Not sure where his mom resides at present, but he could get a waiver if she's close enough to Ann Arbor

mb121wl

June 17th, 2015 at 11:06 PM ^

So he's an ex-Tiger.  I was born in Benton Harbor.  BHHS won a couple of Class A state basketball championships in the '60s.  Sinbad's from there.  An interesting book about BH and its "twin," St. Joseph:  Alex Kotlowitz's "The Other Side of the River."  Read it and you'll see what guys like this have to deal with growing up. 

Roc Blue in the Lou

June 17th, 2015 at 11:46 PM ^

Actually, about 25 miles further south on Highway 31...Berrien Springs.  A quaint town on the St. Joseph River, i believe, and home to a fine Seventh Day Adventist university.  He played in a smaller sized school than Benton Harbor or St. Joe and the competition level probably hindered his rankings.  Would be a nice get at a position where bodies and athletic depth would be huge!  Hope ND's loss is UM's gain.

rob f

June 18th, 2015 at 12:04 AM ^

for your familiarity with this part of the state.

Benton Harbor's downtown, BTW, is experiencing something of a re-birth.  It's got a long way to go, and the totally dysfunctional political circus of Benton Harbor city government is little more than an anchor to progress, but it does show promise.  As someone who has lived in SW Michigan for most of the last 3 decades, I'd really love to see 'The Harbor' rise and thrive again.,

Louie C

June 18th, 2015 at 12:41 AM ^

It's kind of crazy to see how much that area has changed. I had family that stayed in River Terrace, and my grandpa used to take us fishing in the St. Joe river. I don't even recognize that area anymore. Nice to see a rebirth start there. It used to be DEAD. It kind gave me the creeps because it looked like a ghost town. Especially after dark.

Louie C

June 18th, 2015 at 12:34 AM ^

While I was born in Niles, both of my parents are from there. I am related to a good chunk of that town. I read that book as a teenager when it came out. Good insight into the dynamic between BH and St. Joe. I

I went back there for my grandpa's funeral in March. Really sad and depressing to see what has happened to that place.

Wolverine Devotee

June 17th, 2015 at 6:18 PM ^

Probably got him if Harbaugh wants him. 

 

MAccLA

June 17th, 2015 at 6:31 PM ^

From Eric Murtaugh at One Foot Down:

I love Williams for a couple reasons. First, he's not someone who Notre Dame has typically targeted during the Kelly era. He's got more of a basketball frame right now and is the type of speed rusher that the 3-4 defense really isn't looking for and doesn't utilize all that well. So, I like that they've gone outside their comfort zone. Secondly, his first step is awesome and he's a mean SOB on film. Sure he's athletically superior to his competition but he's wrecking opponents all while being 220 with all his football equipment on and soaking wet. I really don't think you see many kids this skinny so violent and physical in high school. Due to that weight, however, he's probably at least a year away but his potential is enormous. Williams should be a great fit as a 250-pound outside linebacker with a hand in the ground or a speed rushing 4-3 defensive end. I wouldn't even count out him learning behind Jaylon Smith.


http://www.onefootdown.com/2015/1/21/7861607/reviewing-the-redshirts-de…

 

rob f

June 17th, 2015 at 7:02 PM ^

vs. Grand Rapids West Catholic in the MHSAA football playoffs as few years ago and was impressed.  The rest of his team was 'meh' but this kid stood out as a man among toddlers. 

A good get if we do indeed get him.

rob f

June 17th, 2015 at 11:25 PM ^

Complete this phrase:  "On the west side of the ______ ..."

:-)

I'm guessing (from seeing your MgoUserName) that you are an 80's graduate of West.  I'm from the 70's, lettered in Track under Coach Misner (who was also my favorite teacher at West).

wbpbrian

June 17th, 2015 at 8:37 PM ^

There is lot of pressure in this part of Michigan from ND fans on prospects. When he was making his decision it was down to ND and Michigan and it looks like he changed his mind.

I dumped the Dope

June 17th, 2015 at 9:01 PM ^

Hoke et al recruited him hard as a Mizzou commit last year (Jhonny Williams).  Apparently he was interested enough to get rumors started of a flip to Michigan and then out of left field he committed to Notre Dame, which wasn't ever even rumored, and this happened all inside of a week to 10 days' time.  I thought the chain of events one of the wilder ones in recruiting.

Anyway, I personally thought he was a good player, do want, at the time.  I'm willing to overlook the many changes of directions if it can stop here.  It seemed like he wanted to play for Hoke but could also see the writing on the wall.