The Oklahoma Sooners scooped up a star from within the state on Monday as four-star athlete Gentry Williams, a top-40 national prospect ranked as the No. 1 player in Oklahoma, announced his commitment live on CBS Sports HQ. Williams chose the Sooners over Florida, LSU and USC.

Williams is ranked as the No. 37 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite for the 2022 cycle. A 6-foot, 170-pound athlete, his commitment to OU ends a years-long pursuit from Lincoln Riley and his staff, who became the second school to offer him a scholarship in early 2019.

In speaking with 247Sports, Gentry revealed what he believes he’ll bring to the table in Norman. 

“They’re so close,” Williams said. “It’s not like you have to go in and rebuild anything. I think I can add on to that legacy and I’m ready to compete and be part of greatness.

“I’m bringing the will, the demeanor, to help bring back National Championships. Whether we’re in the SEC or Big 12, winning championships in that too, but bring home the whole thing and hopefully put on for my family.”

Once ranked as a top-10 player in the cycle, Williams tore his ACL in the first game of his junior season a year ago but has since rebounded back into form as a blue-chip recruit with game-changing ability. As a quarterback, defensive back and track star for Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington, his versatility, speed and athleticism should be a boon for the Sooners and their revamped defense under coordinator Alex Grinch. 

Here’s what 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks said of Williams after evaluating him last year: 

Lean, athletic build that could translate to multiple spots at the college level. Owns some frame space to continue adding bulk. Versatile athlete. High school QB and DB whose ceiling is likely highest in the secondary. Primarily plays QB but put some good snaps on tape at corner as a sophomore. Flashes impressive burst coupled with track-verified top-end speed. Oklahoma 6A state champion in 400 meters (47.70) and runner-up in 200 meters (21.14) as a freshman. Displays plus agility to make the first defender miss. Fluidity also shows at corner. Shows impressive turn-and-run ability. Good ball skills for a long-term DB prospect thanks to offensive experience. Adding bulk/strength and continued coverage technique development keys moving forward. Dynamic athlete with a high developmental ceiling at corner. High-major recruit with multi-year starter capability who could develop into an early-round NFL Draft prospect.

With the commitment of Williams, Oklahoma moves from No. 8 to No. 7 in the 247Sports Composite rankings for the 2022 class, leaping Ohio State and putting the program in position to potentially secure a fourth top-10 class under Riley. He is the fifth top-100 recruit to commit to OU in the cycle.