How Former Florida High School Stars Performed in College Football Week 1
One of the most exciting parts of the start of the college football season is seeing your team’s newest top freshman play at the next level for the first time. With the 2021 college season having kicked-off this past weekend, many former Florida high school stars made their college football debuts in Week 1.
Here is a look at four of the state’s top recruits from a year ago who saw time in their collegiate debuts and what they and their teams did on the field this past Saturday.
James Williams – Miami
Florida’s top defensive back a year ago, James Williams enjoyed a solid collegiate debut as he recorded two tackles and 0.5 TFL in Miami’s 44-13 loss to Alabama.
A top-15 overall recruit nationally last season, Williams shined for American Heritage where he was selected as a USA Today All-USA preseason first-team selection.
While Williams is more in a reserve role to begin the season, the freshman will surely see more time as the season goes along.
JJ McCarthy – Michigan
The state’s top quarterback recruit from a year ago saw time in Michigan’s 47-14 season-opening win over Western Michigan. Coming in late to replace starter Cade McNamara, JJ McCarthy completed four of his six passes for a total of 80 yards, which included a fourth quarter 69-yard touchdown pass to Daylen Baldwin.
The former IMG Academy signal caller will likely serve as the Wolverines’ backup quarterback this season, but could see action if games play out similar to Michigan’s win Saturday.
Mario Williams – Oklahoma
Arguably the player who had the best collegiate debut was Mario Williams, who caught six passes for 37 yards and a touchdown in Oklahoma’s 40-35 win over Tulane.
The former four-star recruit starred for Plant City in both football and baseball the past couple of seasons where he emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the country.
Williams should continue to be a key part of the Sooners passing game this season as one of the most talented freshman wideouts in the country.
Agiye Hall – Alabama
Agiye Hall saw action in Alabama’s 44-13 season-opening win over Miami where he caught one pass for 10 yards.
The former Bloomingdale football and track star impressed early-on during camp with the Crimson Tide, emerging as one of Alabama’s best young receivers. One of the most talented receivers on the roster for the defending national champions, Hall will surely see additional time on the field as the season goes along.
As the 2021 college football season rolls along, there is a potential for many more former Florida high school stars seeing their first collegiate action. As for which former players may provide the biggest impact this season, it certainly appears that these four have an excellent case to do just that.
Written by: Matt Melton
