There aren’t many running backs in the country like David Williams from Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia. Williams doesn’t need a lot of room to operate. He just needs a small hole and a few blocks and he is in the open field heading for a score.

Williams, a 6-foot-1, 202-pound senior, will be showcasing his explosive running skills at South Carolina next season.

“I’m excited about going down there,” said Williams, a consensus four-star prospect. “I think I can help their program. I’m working out now. I want to get stronger. South Carolina plays in the Southeastern Conference and that’s big-time college football. I’m looking forward to playing against some great players.”

Williams rushed for 1,790 yards on 194 attempts and scored 23 touchdowns as a senior. He led Imhotep Charter to the Philadelphia Public League Class AA championship and a spot in the PIAA Class AA semifinals. The Panthers finished with a 14-1 record.

“He had a great season for us,” said Albie Crosby, Imhotep Charter head coach. “He’ll do well at South Carolina. David is a great running back. He has good speed. He can get to the outside and get down field. He had a lot of big runs for us. He knows how to cut back.

“This is a good opportunity for him. South Carolina has a good football program. They were in a (Outback) bowl game. Steve Spurrier is a great coach. It’s nice that he’ll have a chance to play for a coach like him. He’s only going to help David get better.”

Tom Lemming, recruiting analyst for the CBS Sports Network, has seen a number of the nation’s best high school football players. He is impressed with Williams’ ability to succeed at the next level.

“I always thought he was one of the top running backs in the country,” Lemming said. “I selected him for the Semper Fidelis All American Bowl game. He’s a good sized back. He has great vision and balance.

“I think it’s good that Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina running back) left for the NFL. So, now I think it’s pretty wide open. They have a couple good backs. David is just as talented if not more talented than the ones they have. He’s just a little younger. As far as running backs are concerned, they almost play right away. I think he’ll come in and contribute. I think if the circumstances fall into place he could play a whole lot.”

Williams was highly recruited by Division I schools such as Penn State, Arizona State, Ohio State, Miami, Auburn and Tennessee. However, the All Public League standout really wanted to play for Spurrier.

“I’m excited about getting a chance to play for Coach Spurrier,” Williams said. “He’s an iconic coach. They have a good football team. They have a great tradition. I’m really happy about going there.”

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