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Commitment 24 for Tigers

Mizzou football had its first two official visitors this weekend as defensive linemen Jhonathon Williams and Calvin Heurtelou made the trip to Columbia.
Williams, a 6-foot-6, 230 pound Berrien Springs (Mich.) native, told PowerMizzou.com coming in to the weekend that a commitment was a possibility. Now it is official, as Williams notified PowerMizzou.com this morning that he has committed to Missouri. His commitment brings the Tigers' class to 24.
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"Wow. The atmosphere," stated Williams. "Their whole program, especially defense. Their whole program is really good when it comes to defensive ends. I feel like they can make me the best player I can possibly be and possibly take me to the next level. All around, it was really great at Missouri."
It was difficult for Williams to pick one moment that stood out on his visit to Mizzou, but he admitted that being in the locker room following the Tigers' 41-19 win over Arkansas State was an experience he will not forget.
"The game was really good and being in the locker room after with the guys on the team to just see that atmosphere and how they all click together. Knowing that this was the place for me made it all great," he said.
As expected, the Mizzou coaches were pleased that Williams decided to commit on his visit.
"They were pretty fired up. They were pretty excited about it. I had breakfast this morning and then I had meetings with Coach [Craig] Kul[igowski] and Coach [Gary] Pinkel. That's when I announced my commitment," explained Williams.
Williams' name did not hit Mizzou's radar until late in the summer, after a string of very strong camp performances. Shortly after, the Tigers extended an offer to the former Toledo commit. Since then his recruitment has picked up steam as Michigan St., Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and San Diego State started showing increased interest.

Their was also a significant jump in the rankings for Williams after his summer of strong camp performances. He went from unranked and no stars to the number 18 ranked prospect in Michigan and a three star.
"Williams is a high-upside kid who possesses rare physical gifts, but still is a long way from realizing all that talent," Rivals.com Midwest Analyst Josh Helmholdt said. "The first question that needs to be answered is which side of the football he plays. At first I thought he was definitely best suited for defensive end, but watching him live a couple weeks back I think tight end is certainly in play. This is a kid with great length and great athleticism, but who still needs to work to become a great football player."
There was a time when a Michigan State offer could have tempted Williams, no matter when it came. After having visited Missouri, though, that is no longer the case.
"I'm completely done with recruiting," said Williams. "I'm a Missouri Tiger now."
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