March 7, 2025
Tavares High Football Player Izayia Williams Verbally Commits to University of Florida
By Kyle Coppola
Tavares High Football Player Izayia Williams Verbally Commits to University of Florida
TAVARES, Fla. — Tavares High School junior edge rusher Izayia Williams has verbally committed to the University of Florida, giving the Gators a dynamic defensive playmaker for their 2026 recruiting class.
Williams, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound standout, made his announcement on social media Friday, choosing Florida over offers from multiple Power Five programs including his de-commitment from FSU. His combination of size, speed, and relentless motor has made him one of the top defensive prospects in Central Florida and the United States. Simply put, Izayia Williams is just built different.
(Williams has been one of the best players in recent memory to play for Tavares High School. He also played his sophomore year at Leesburg High.)
“Recruitment 100& shut down,” Williams posted on his social media.
As a junior, Williams dominated for the Bulldogs, recording 125 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt offenses made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Florida head coach Billy Napier and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong have prioritized strengthening the Gators’ front seven, and Williams fits the mold of the aggressive, high-motor defender they seek. His commitment bolsters Florida’s 2026 recruiting class as they continue to rebuild in the SEC.
“Izayia is a game-changer,” Tavares head coach Gavin Jones said. “He’s got the ability to take over a game. He’s a player that is going to make an impact.” said coach Jones in a recent interview.
(Williams has been packing on muscle weight as he is competing in boys FHSAA weightlifting competitions in the final part of his junior year at Tavares High School. Photo Credit – Tavares High.)
Though his commitment is non-binding until the early signing period in December 2025, Williams is expected to be a key part of Florida’s future defensive plans. Florida is hoping for big things in 2025 and adding Williams who is one of the best edge rushers in the country is a massive step for the program.
For now, the rising senior is focused on his final season at Tavares, where he hopes to lead the Bulldogs back to the FHSAA Playoffs. Last year Williams helped Tavares to it’s first winning record since 2021. Williams is also currently taking part in boys weightlifting season with hopes to make it to Regionals and States.
Image Credit – HayesFawcett3on3
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
