SPORTS

Top prospect JoeJuan Williams headed to Hendersonville

Michael Murphy
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

The Midstate's top-ranked high school football prospect in the class of 2016 – former Father Ryan defensive back JoeJuan Willliams – will be attending Hendersonville High School for his senior year

Williams, who confirmed the rumor of Tuesday afternoon, is the state's top-ranked recruit according to Rivals.com, and the 6-foot-3, 195-pound rising senior is ranked No. 89 nationally.

"It's because I'm moving," said Williams, who will be eligible to play in 2015.

Williams recorded 48 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups as a junior in 2014. He holds scholarship offers from more than 30 Division I programs, including the entire Southeastern Conference.

Hendersonville, the defending District 9-AAA champions, reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs a season ago, and the Commandos have posted back-to-back 10 win seasons – they lost to East Tennessee power Maryville in the 2013 Class 6A title game.

Williams was the only Middle Tennessee prospect included in the Rivals' top 100, while Nashville Christian linebacker Daniel Bituli (155), Brentwood Academy offensive lineman Bryce Mathews (171), Spring Hill quarterback Tylin Oden (204), Cookeville tight end Gabe Angel (221) and Brentwood Academy offensive lineman Ryan Johnson (243) were each included in the most recent Rivals250.

Oden commits to Louisville: Spring Hill quarterback Tylin Oden, the No. 7-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the country, announced his commitment to the University of Louisville via Twitter on Monday.

Oden, the reigning District 12-AA Athlete of the Year, piled up more than 1,800 yards of total offense with 18 touchdowns a season ago, helping lead the Raiders to a 6-6 record and a Class 4A second-round playoff appearance.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and @Murph_TNsports.