Gosnell (Arkansas) athlete Cam Williams looking to 'dominate' senior season as major college offers continue to roll in

By Kyle Sutherland 

Those who followed Cam Williams' weekly heroics on Friday nights last fall knew it was only a matter of time before some of the nation's top programs took strong notice of the Northeast Arkansas product.

Williams, alongside his older brother, Floyd, helped Gosnell rebound from a one-win season in 2021 to eight victories last year, earning a spot in the 4A playoffs. 

Cam Williams (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) was exceptional on both sides of the ball and a unanimous all-state selection after hauling in 55 passes for 1,041 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, Williams finished with 66 total tackles and his eight interceptions, which tied for third in the state per stats submitted.

Floyd Williams has moved on to play at Missouri State and with Cam now the senior leader.

"Everything we have since we were little was competitive and making each other better," Cam said. "We have been working out every day since then to become better athletes and it got us here."

Cam Williams initially planned to join his brother at Missouri State, committing to the Bears on June 4 but decided to open his recruitment back up soon after.

"All my options are open right now," Cam Williams said. 

Power 5 programs from across the country have beat down Cam Williams' door as he has gained multiple offers over the past couple of weeks starting with Oklahoma State, along with Michigan State, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Texas.

Gosnell head coach Lewis Earnest acknowledged that he sent Cam Williams' highlights to every Power 5 school. Schools eventually started paying attention.

"The film speaks for itself in my opinion, he is just a dynamic player," Earnest said. "Maybe after Oklahoma State offered him then other schools started taking notice."

Arkansas was one of multiple SEC programs that came to Gosnell's spring practice to evaluate Cam Williams and he has recently spoken to head coach Sam Pittman and co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson.

"I heard from Arkansas, and they told me a couple of days ago that they would be in touch with me soon," Williams said. "I have not set up a visit, but they said they would be in contact with me."

While Cam Williams did mention his recruitment is currently open, he does plan to narrow the list down before committing. 

"I will probably drop a Top 7 or Top 10 sometime before the season starts," Williams said.

Earnest also added that while it is great for Cam Williams and the Gosnell program to receive this kind of national attention, it also provides exposure for other athletes in the Northeast Arkansas corner.

"This opens doors for Mississippi County because we have a lot of really good athletes over here," Earnest said. "We of course want what is best for our players, but as adults we want what is best for Mississippi County because we feel it is underrated and under recruited."

Cam Williams played running back at the start of his varsity career, before converting to receiver as a junior. That is his preferred position, though from a recruiting standpoint he considers himself an athlete.

"I enjoy the offensive side more," he said. "It is more of a challenge to play receiver."

When the Pirates need something big to happen, Earnest never hesitates on where to turn.

"Whenever we get into a bind we tell our offensive coordinator - just get the ball to Cam," Earnest said. "He is a nightmare matchup on the edge at receiver and that really helped out our offense last year. 

"Most teams had to double team him and on defense we feel good about him covering any receiver in the state 1-on-1. That is always a big advantage."

It will be hard to top last season's achievements, but Cam Williams feels that he has many more goals to accomplish.

"I am looking to dominate this year," he said. "I am looking to win conference easily, looking to beat a state record, and also make a great run in the playoffs - hopefully get into the state championship.

"I know we have the skill to do it, we just have to lock in and get right."