Owen Williams was used to breaking the spirits of defenders as a running back for the Lake Forest High School football team.

Now, as a recruit, he's breaking the hearts of college coaches. 

"I had a visit scheduled to Drake University, but called and cancelled," said the 6-foot, 210-pound Williams. "After I left Dayton (Ohio), I knew it was the place to go."

On Thursday, Williams called the Dayton coaches and said he wanted to be a Flyer. Williams visited the school last weekend and "loved everything about it." 

"It's really cool. It has 7,000 kids and you can walk and bike everywhere. I basically love the area," he said.

The University of Dayton plays football in the Pioneer League. According to their media guide, the school has produced 21 Academic All-Americans over the last 11 years, the most in college football. From 2006-2010, the school has won 80 percent of its games, second best in the country in NCAA Championship Subdivision (1-AA). This past season, Dayton finished 6-5.

This combination of strong academics with a winning tradition is what sold Williams, who led the Scouts with 1,206 rushing yards this past season. He also boasts a 4.41 GPA (5.0 scale).

"I want to major in business, so from a school standpoint it's (good)," said Williams. "I like the way the football program is run. They have good comradarie."

Williams said he's been told he will play running back and the team has "one redshirt senior (coming back). I will play an important role."

He will officially sign a letter of intent with the school on Feb. 1. 

"The process is long and pretty hard," said Williams. "I'm happy it's over. It's pretty stressful."