QB opens up on Kentucky commitment

Cats Illustrated went in-depth with new Kentucky quarterback commitment Jarren Williams following his decision.

Williams is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback from Lawrenceville (Ga.) Central Gwinnett and a Class of 2018 prospect.

He's Kentucky's lone 2018 commitment and a big one at that. The athletic quarterback turned down offers from Florida State and Louisville, among others, in picking Kentucky.

He played at Shiloh (Ga.) last season and has now transferred to a school that will surround him with more talent. Still, Williams passed for 1,650 yards last season even with difficult circumstances.

"What made me decide so early was I talked to my parents when we finished up our visit (to Kentucky). We wanted to hurry up and narrow it down so we don't miss out on (the right opportunity)," Williams said. "Kentucky just by far stood out from a lot of the other colleges recruiting me. Take nothing away from them, but it really felt like home. I want to be a part of something great and get Kentucky back to the days like when Tim Couch was there and the offense was a major factor. It's a great opportunity for me, to work with the coaches and all."

Darin Hinshaw was a big factor in Williams' decision.

When Williams camped at Kentucky recently, Cats Illustrated reported that Hinshaw was with Williams throughout almost the entire camp, and that the two seemed to have a good rapport with one another.

"I love Coach Hinshaw," Williams said. "He's a great guy. Very genuine coach. I feel like working with him will help me get to the next level and he's a great guy."

Hinshaw earned Williams' trust right away.

The first time Williams visited Kentucky he didn't leave campus with an offer. Then, he stopped at Louisville and did pick up an offer from the Cardinals.

Hinshaw had told the departing Williams that if he worked on some aspects of his throwing motion then he would offer him when he stopped by Central Gwinnett in the spring.

"He's a man of his word," Williams said. "He came back and checked on me at practice. He saw me throw and he offered me. I really respected that. He's a man of his word. A lot of coaches say something and don't follow up.

"He's said I'm a special kid and he likes my arm. But more importantly he likes how I shake his hand, that I look him in the eye, and he thinks I can be a great leader at UK. He's ready to build a powerful offense."

Williams said Hinshaw also loves the fact that he's a dual-threat quarterback and has great footwork in the pocket.

The Class of 2018 quarterback told Cats Illustrated that Florida State and Louisville were the two other schools he most seriously considered. But his verbal commitment is rock solid.

"I'm 100-percent solid with UK," Williams said. "(Hinshaw) told me to make sure I commit before I do because he wants to make sure I'm ready. So I talked to my parents and I really feel good about it."

The charismatic, outgoing Williams could be seen chatting up plenty of recruits at Kentucky's camp, including some he had never met before. So now he'll become one of the Cats' best recruiting assets with Class of 2018 prospects.

"I'm definitely gonna get some guys up there," Williams said. "I know they like some guys out of South Florida and I'll look around and see which guys they want. Our running back at my school, they're showing a lot of interest and he would be great. Just great. He's a monster -- Josh Samuel."