Familiarity influenced Timber Creek back Zaire Wiliams to choose Temple

Familiarity is perhaps the strongest factor in Zaire Williams' recruitment.

That was a great thing for Temple in its pursuit of Williams, the Class of 2013's 36th-ranked running back prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com.

"I just felt like I was at home," the three-star athlete from Timber Creek High said when he was asked about his decision to verbally commit to Temple on Tuesday night and decommit from West Virginia.

Williams' relationship with Owls cornerbacks coach Fran Brown, a Camden native, and Temple's other South Jersey recruits in the Class of 2013 certainly made an impact.

"I think we can do big things," Williams said of the Owls.

Temple fans are hoping the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder will be able to do big things as an Owl as well. As a junior at Cherokee High, Williams rushed for 1,621 yards and 28 touchdowns. He finished that season with seven consecutive 100-yard games and set school records with 385 yards and six touchdowns in a 57-56 overtime loss to Cherry Hill East.

He transferred to Timber Creek in February 2012 after his family moved to Sicklerville. Williams rushed for 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns despite sharing time with other running backs last season.

He gave his verbal commitment to West Virginia on July 9. At the time, Williams chose the Mountaineers over scholarship offers from Temple, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Iowa, Delaware, and Old Dominion.

However, he still went on an official visit to Temple last weekend.

"I just went there with an open mind," he said of his visit. He left impressed with the university, as well as new head coach Matt Rhule and his coaching staff.

"Yes, I did love WVU. Still do," Williams tweeted. "But Temple is the best place for me and my future."