PLANT CITY, Fla. - Mario Williams is used to turning heads on the football field.

The Plant City receiver recently turned heads with his college commitment to Oklahoma.

“They were in really early,” said Plant City High School football coach James Booth. “They noticed him early and usually those Midwest teams, it’s tough for them to get those kids out of the Southeast to go to the Midwest.”

“I have been looking at the Oklahoma offense since my freshmen year and it was always explosive,” said Williams, who is ranked as the top receiver by ESPN for the 2021 recruiting class. “They just ended up staying in contact the entire recruitment process and just always stayed the same.”

It’s a rare feat for Oklahoma. Williams is set to become just the fourth Bay Area recruit to sign with the Sooners since 1999. To put that in perspective – 1999 was the first season for legendary OU coach, Bob Stoops. Since Lincoln Riley took over, the Sooners have become one of the most exciting teams in college football – appearing in three consecutive College Football Playoffs.

“I think what they’ve done at Oklahoma, a really good job of, when recruiting him, is showing him what they can do specifically with his skill set,” said Booth. “They’ve got a plan for him as soon as he steps on campus.”

“Really just going out there and playing the ‘X’ and the ‘Y’ and just getting open,” said Williams, who is also looking to be a dual-sport athlete at OU (football, baseball).

Before Williams heads to the Big 12, he’s hoping for a big senior season at Plant City.

“I’m going to put on for the city one more time – for the Bay,” said Williams.

Williams’ coach is looking forward to seeing his growth continue on and off the field this season.

“The leadership role is what we’re looking for with him,” said Booth. “He’s been a captain for us for two years. Just continue to build that legacy and now bring up those younger kids and show them how to do it.”

Mario Williams is as special a talent we’ve seen in recent years. His speed and athleticism made him a coveted target for every premiere college program. He’s hoping to leave his mark this fall before turning in his Plant City orange for Oklahoma Crimson.