Jamari Williams looks to bring 'swag' and size to Arizona Wildcats' O-line

Arizona landed its third offensive line for the 2019 class after Jamari Williams decommitted from Louisville and picked the Wildcats on Thursday. 

The 6-foot-4-inch, 275-pound Williams is a three-star recruit from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He's ranked as the No. 51 guard nationally, per 247sports.com. 

He was recruited by Arizona offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, who spent the previous six seasons with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, and took an official visit to UA over the summer. Williams told the Star he plans on taking an unofficial visit for Arizona's regular season finale against Arizona State. 

The Star caught up with Williams after his commitment to Arizona about what he will bring to the Wildcats in the years to come.  

Why did you commit to Arizona?

A: “I was actually committed to Louisville and then a lot of things were going south. Coach (Joe) Gilbert actually had offered me the week I committed to Louisville and he always told me to give him a chance, give him a chance and he recruited me really hard. Then I went up there for an official visit and I actually fell in love with the place, it’s just I couldn’t get over the distance. Over time, I got over the distance. Coach (Kevin) Sumlin is a standup guy and a great person so with Coach Gilbert coming from the NFL and Coach Sumlin always being a winner, I just couldn’t give up on that opportunity.”

What made you get over the distance between Florida and Arizona?

A: “I got the approval from my family. My mom had passed away so family is really huge to me. My family always told me ‘Wherever you’re going, that’s where we’re going and we’ll try to make it to as many games as we can just as long as you’re happy.’ I know I’m not going to be coming down as much (to Florida) because of summer classes, summer grind with practice and then the season so there’s really not that much time for me to come home anyways.”

When did Coach Gilbert initially reach out to you?

A: “Me and Coach Gilbert had been talking for a long time. I was in the 11th grade when he texted me. And then that spring, he told me he was going to come check me out and then he actually came here in the spring. After seeing my film, he offered me that day and then I took my official visit.”

What’s your relationship like with Gilbert?

A: “I just respect him as a whole individual. He’s always up-front about everything, no lies or anything. He’s a technician and he sees a lot of great things in me so a guy with his caliber is good for me to play for.”

What is your family like?

A: “My mother had passed away so I’m living with my sister. My father and I are really close and he was a huge part of this decision, but he lives in Miami, which is like 20 minutes away. My family is caring, loving, hardworking. I try to represent my family the best way that I can with everything that I do.”

Where do you get your size from?

A: “My dad is only 6-foot and my mom was like 5-10. My grandfather is 6-7, so that probably has something to do with it.”

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When did you start playing football?

A: “Down South, we breathe football. The best football is down South. I started playing football when I was 6 or 7 years old and then I played until seventh grade, and then I quit to play basketball. After my basketball dreams were over, I played football again in high school and then I got my first offer from Bowling Green when I was in the tenth grade. And then I just never looked back.”

Will you play guard at Arizona?

A: “On my current team, I play tackle, but I’ll be playing guard and even some center to help. I’m versatile and can play anything so it really don’t matter to me.”

Did the coaching staff emphasize that offensive line is a position of need?

A: “Most definitely. … They were just telling me that I could be a huge piece to the puzzle and how I could be able to play early and develop.”

What were your favorite football teams growing up?

A: “I like to be different so my favorite NFL team is the New York Jets. I also liked the (University of Miami), but I wanna play them so we can smash them, you know what I mean?”

Do you have a favorite player?

A: “Trent Williams from the Redskins. That guy is a dog and we have the same last name so I tell people he’s my cousin.”

What is Arizona getting out of a player like you?

A: “Off the field, I’m always joking and just a goofy person. I always care about my friends. I don’t know if I have a picture on Twitter, but I walk around with a little Chucky doll, that’s my alter ego. I try to give you nightmares and I’m really aggressive and physical. I’m not dirty, but I just play the game with a lot of passion and love. The game has done so much for my life. I also try to bring a lot of swag to it. You’re gonna see that Florida swag when I get to Arizona.”

When you took an official visit to UA over the summer, what did you like about the campus or Tucson?

A: “Campus was nice. I came over the summer so there really wasn’t much going on, but the campus is beautiful, it’s huge. Down here it’s hot, but it’s humid. When I got off the plane here, I was like ‘Wow, it’s hot.’ But the campus is beautiful and I like it a lot.”

Did you know anything about Tucson before the visit?

A: “I was very skeptical about taking an official visit, to be honest. I’m thankful I did because it was a game-changer. Coach Gilbert is a man of his word. He kept saying ‘Give us a shot and come out here.’ I’m glad I did, because it’s about to be special.”