‘Louisianimal’ RB Anthony ‘Pooka’ Williams picking up interest from major programs

Kansas University football recruiting

The University of Kansas football program generated an explosion of unexpected buzz this past February by adding intriguing prospects to its 2018 recruiting class.

But 10 months later, with the NCAA’s new early-signing period for college football beginning Dec. 20, the vibe surrounding KU’s potential signees could shift drastically in the opposite direction.

Over the weekend, the biggest name tied to the Jayhawks, four-star New Orleans receiver Devonta Jason, decommitted from David Beaty’s program. Meanwhile, the only quarterback in KU’s class, Texas prep Clayton Tune, visited Ole Miss and currently describes Kansas as “still in the picture” for the quickly approaching signing day.

KU fans now have to hope Beaty and his staff can hold on to the high school commitments they have, with the biggest concerns being four-star cornerback Corione Harris — Jason’s prep teammate at Landry-Walker (La.) — and the group’s other remaining “Louisianimal,” running back Anthony “Pooka” Williams.

Harris announced recently he will chose between KU and Mississippi State. Williams, though, appears to have a number of programs to consider.

Sam Spiegelman, a recruiting reporter for SEC Country, spoke with Williams after his Hahnville High team lost in Louisiana’s Class 5A state title game on Saturday. The 5-foot-10, three-star running back explained how his recruitment has picked up during his remarkable senior season, capped by rushing for 1,403 yards and 14 touchdowns in five playoff games.

The speedy all-purpose back told SEC Country he not only has an offer from LSU but also Miami. Plus, Williams related, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama and Auburn have shown interest in him, as well.

“A lot of schools have come here,”
Williams told SEC Country. “When you
do big things, big schools come in.
Nebraska, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, Miami.
… I can keep naming schools.”

Williams had stated previously he planned to sign with Kansas on Dec. 20, but Spiegelman reported the Louisiana standout is considering delaying signing until February.

If the increasingly popular running back had to make a choice now, he told SEC Country he would pick the Jayhawks, to whom he committed in February after hitting it off with running backs coach Tony Hull, a Louisiana native.

“It’s still Kansas, because I’m
committed to them and I gave them my
word,” Williams said. “It would be
hard for me to flip my word on them.
It’s about loyalty and it’s like a
family, so if I go somewhere, I have
to feel comfortable and it’s where I
can play. We’ll see who can build a
family [relationship] with me and
we’ll take it from there.”