2025 Havelock standout Johnny Williams commits to ECU

One of East Carolina’s long-time top targets for the 2025 class has committed to East Carolina in the form of Havelock (N.C.) High School athlete Johnny Williams. Williams took his official visit to Greenville this weekend, culminating a tenured recruitment that started when he was an underclassman in high school.

Williams chose ECU over offers from App State, Boston College, Buffalo, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, James Madison, Liberty, Old Dominion and West Virginia.

ECU offered Williams back on Jan. 13, 2023. The 5-9.5, 160-pounder is known for his breakaway speed and elusiveness. He is being recruited by ECU as wide receiver, likely profiling best as a slot. He was named the New Bern Sun Journal All-Area Offensive MVP for his work at Havelock as a junior in 2023. Williams played quarterback, receiver, running back, and corner, completing 80 of 134 passes (59.7 percent) for 995 yards with 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Williams ran for 1,333 yards and 16 touchdowns on 129 touches (10.3 yards per attempt) and caught 14 passes for 123 yards and a TD.

As a sophomore, Williams repped primarily at receiver, catching 27 passes for 694 yards.

Williams attended multiple games at East Carolina last season, and came to a junior day on campus in January.

It was a staff effort to recruit Williams, including from head coach Mike Houston, along with offensive coordinator John David Baker, wide receivers coach Dyrell Roberts, and tight ends coach Hunter MacKay.

“From the first conversation to now, Coach Houston has let it been known how much of a priority I am and that means a lot to me,” Williams said earlier this spring. “Over the process, we have just been getting closer and he has been getting closer to my family and making it known that my family is also a priority. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a coach is being real with you, but with Coach Houston, I can tell that he is genuine and means what he says.”