The first two offers are in for William Roberts. The 2024 offensive lineman, who is the son of rapper/songwriter Rick Ross, told 247Sports that he picked up verbal scholarship offers from both Miami and Syracuse on Wednesday.
“It feels good,” Roberts said over the phone. “It’s a dream come true.” Roberts played on varsity as a freshman for a Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas team that went 8-1 and won a 7A state title.”Will’s size, strength, and athleticism have enabled him to play some quality time this season and start a couple of games,” St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Roger Harriott told 247Sports when asked about the 6-foot-2, 270-pound youngster. “He’s an extremely talented player and a well rounded, character oriented person. His best days are ahead of him.”
There are currently no prospects in the class of 2024 that have made a public verbal commitment according to the 247Sports’ database, but a number of freshmen like Roberts report offers from Power 5 programs. St. Thomas Aquinas has produced a number of notable NFL players in recent years including San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Joey Bosa, Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Brandon Linder, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette, New England Patriots running back James White and Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Geno Atkins. The powerhouse also claims Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Roberts and Florida wide receiver Trevon Grimes as alums.
Rick Ross graduated from Miami (Fla.) Carol City. He then attended Albany State on a football scholarship according to the Miami New Times.
Beyond blessed to receive my first offer from the university of Miami????#blessed @CoachHarriott @GarinJustice @CoachEHickson2 pic.twitter.com/xZGvpVrVfV
— WilliamRoberts (@mmgbigbank) January 20, 2021