Tavares High School’s defense will look significantly different in 2024. The Bulldogs have an exciting four-star recruit joining the team after a successful season at Leesburg High School last year. Williams who is a 6-1, 215 pound Edge and Linebacker can also play safety. He comes into the 2024 season as one of the most sought-after defensive players in the state of Florida.

Williams had offers from Louisville, Syracuse, Florida A&M, Iowa State, Ole Miss, USF, and Western Kentucky currently. Williams has committed to Syracuse football. This a huge pickup for Syracuse as Williams has been a dominant force in Lake County and around Central Florida. He had been committed to Lousiville back in November but has decided to pledge to Syracuse University at this time.

(Williams committed to Syracuse Football. Although he does not graduate until 2026, Williams is a Division 1 prospect and one of the best Edge rushers in the state of Florida.)

Williams has been somewhat of a journeyman the past few seasons. He played for Tavares High before transferring to Leesburg High School to play under Steven Moffett. However, when Coach Moffett left for The First Academy in Orlando, Williams decided to transfer back to Tavares High School, where it appears he will play his junior year of football.

If this is the case, Tavares High School will have a four-star recruit on the roster and an NCAA Division 1 athlete already committed to Syracuse in New York. Williams is coming off a huge sophomore campaign that saw him play in 8 games. He made 40 tackles with 6 tackles for a loss. Williams also had 2 solo sacks, an interception, and 2 forced fumbles.

The dominance that Williams showed last year at Leesburg High School will no doubt be exciting for Tavares High Head Coach Gavin Jones. Last year, Coach Jones took Tavares High from an 0-10 season the previous year to a 5-5 record. That bodes well for the confidence of players on the team as they turn their attention to spring football.

All the key components are there for Tavares High School to have a big year on the football field. They will have to fill the quarterback position, as Landon Papineau will graduate. However, the running back position will be dominated by Tyler Davis, who is coming off a 1,000+ rushing season. Leading receiver Omar Alexander-Graham will also return in 2024 as a senior, so offensively, the Bulldogs look sound.

With Williams bringing plenty of punishment on the defensive side of the ball, this is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Tavares High School. Athletes come and go in high school these days, but hopefully, Izayia Williams stays and builds a legacy at Tavares High School. This school is rich in history, and Williams is one of the most exciting players in Florida.

We look forward to seeing how this team evolves. We are only a few weeks away from the Spring Football game!

Photos provided by – Tavares High School