WELLINGTON – Cedric Williamson will remember how his college recruiting process has played out.
For one thing, the Palm Beach Central senior cornerback is big on being loyal to those who believe in him and his abilities. It shows in Williamson’s play on the field and how he carries himself off it.
As the first and only school to extend an offer to Williamson, St. Thomas has gained one of the biggest steals in Palm Beach County. This could go down as one of the best overall pickups for the fledgling NAIA college football program.
Williamson finished his senior season at Palm Beach Central with 50 tackles, 10 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, three total touchdowns, one forced fumble, and one punt return for a score in 12 games played. He ended this past year as our No. 4-ranked defensive back and No. 40 overall player in Palm Beach County.
“Going big time D1 (FBS level) was always my goal,” the 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback said. “But I’m just thankful that St. Thomas took a chance on me. No matter where I ended up, I told myself I was gonna ball regardless.”
Williamson took a college visit to St. Thomas on Jan. 18. He made his decision to go with the Bobcats on Jan. 30, just 12 days after his pivotal campus experience.
“The visit was better than what I expected and my parents loved it,” Williamson said. “It’s close to home, and i know they’ll take the trip to come watch me play.”
Williamson touched on the reason why he enjoyed his St. Thomas visit.
“It was the hospitality and the honesty of the coaches,” he said. “I could tell they were being very authentic and weren’t making promises to me just to make me commit. They really wanted me to like the school for myself and also the scheme of the defense. I can see myself fitting in it perfectly.”
Defense may is Williamson’s calling card, but his best moment this past season was primarily on special teams in Week 4 at Wellington. Down 7-3 in the fourth quarter, the Broncos corner started his team’s comeback on a punt return that resulted in a score.
Williamson’s touchdown sparked a late 27-point scoring surge for the Broncos. It resulted in a 30-7 road win over the Wolverines, which enabled the Broncos to hoist the Wellington Cup.
“Our team needed a big play, and I was just watching the ball roll the whole time,” Williamson said of the key special teams moment. “My instincts just took over. I scooped it up and just kept running until I crossed the white line.”
Williamson has been part of Palm Beach Central’s most successful run in school history. Over these past three seasons, the Broncos have compiled a 29-8 overall record with three consecutive Wellington Cup wins, three straight district titles, and their first-ever berth in the 8A regional finals in 2018.
The first two years of this run were led by former head coach Tino Ierulli, while this past season was led by current head coach Scottie Littles.
Williamson credited both head coaches for his development, growth, and success over these past few years.
“They both pushed me to become a great football player and an even better person,” Williamson said. “They both wanted nothing but to see me and all of my teammates succeed.”
Tomorrow’s National Signing Day ceremony (Feb. 5) will officially conclude Williamson’s high school football journey at Palm Beach Central. He will be signing his letter of intent to St. Thomas at around 2 p.m.
“It feels great to be able to keep playing football for another four years,” Williamson said. “I’m just ready to make the most out of my opportunity.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Gene Nardi and St. Thomas University Football
