This past Sunday, the son of Rick Ross announced his commitment to an HBCU in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. His son, William Roberts III, announced on X and Instagram that he has committed to Bethune-Cookman University – which is located in Daytona Beach, FL. Roberts III is currently an offensive lineman for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
According to MaxPreps, St. Thomas Aquinas has produced the most NFL draft selections over the last 10 years than any other high school in the country.
The 6-foot-2, 270 lb O-lineman has been on varsity since he was a freshman and helped lead the St. Thomas Aquinas to win their fifth straight 3A state championship in 2023.
Ross also played football before transiting into music full time in the 90s. Ross played football at Miami Carol City High School then attended HBCU (Historically Black College/University) Albany State University on a football scholarship.
Like his son, Ross also played offensive lineman.
According to Rivals, Roberts III received offers from schools such as Albany State (like his father), Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Syracuse and more. He is scheduled to graduate high school this spring 2024.
Bethune-Cookman has been active in the recruitment arena after a rough 2023 season. In head coach Raymond Woodie Jr.’s first season, the Wildcats finished 3-8 and won just two conference games.
So far, they’ve emphasized beefing up the offensive line. With the addition of Roberts, they’ve now added four offensive line prospects to their 2024 recruitment class. Bethune-Cookman hopes that William Roberts III will help boost the offensive line for an offense that ranked in the bottom quarter of the SWAC in rushing offense and sacks.
“Will’s size, strength, and athleticism have enabled him to play some quality time this season and start a couple of games,” Roger Harriott, head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas Roger, told 247Sports in 2021. “He’s an extremely talented player and a well-rounded, character-oriented person. His best days are ahead of him.”
The Bethune Cookman Wildcats are expected to open their 2024 season against the USF Bulls on August 31 in Tampa, Florida.
