Running back commitment Maleek Williams plans to enroll at Arkansas in January, but it took a lot of hard work in a short period of time to achieve the goal.
It wasn't until the start of the school year that Williams realized he could graduate in December.
"I really didn't know I was able to graduate early," Williams said. "My last day of school is Wednesday."
Williams, 5-11, 215 pounds, 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Punta Gorda (Fla.) Charlotte picked the Hogs over scholarship offers from Illinois, South Florida, North Carolina, Boston College, Kentucky, Tennessee and others after visiting Fayetteville in June.
"That's the good thing about committing early; I didn't have to worry about recruiting as much," Williams said. "That gave me more time to focus on my schoolwork, so I think that helped."
He complimented his high school for working with him.
Williams, who completed online classes Friday, said he had to devote some of his free time to schoolwork.
"Like Saturday, I couldn't go watch my friends play in an all-star game because I had to do an exam," Williams said.
A four-star prospect by ESPN, Williams rushed 163 times for 1,294 yards and 23 touchdowns to lead Charlotte to a 12-1 record and the Class 6A semifinals.
He's ready to get to work in Fayetteville.
"I'm putting no limits on myself and just let my ability speak for itself," Williams said. "As a freshman, that's really all you can do."
Coach Bret Bielema's willingness to play former running back Alex Collins as a freshman alongside sophomore Jonathan Williams was a big part of Maleek Williams' decision to become a Razorback.
"Alex was a freshman," Williams said. "He didn't show favoritism. Alex earned his reps, so he gave him reps and I noticed that."
Williams, who was born in Jamica before moving to the United States at age 5, said being away from his family will be the biggest challenge when he reports to Fayetteville.
"It will be the first time I'm like away, away from my family," Williams said. "When I get away from my family for a certain time, I already kind of miss them."
Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports on 12/18/2016