Michael Williams, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound wide receiver/defensive back from Melbourne (Fla.) Palm Beach, committed to the Deacons this week despite a hard recruiting pitch by the Seminoles.

"Mike loves the academics at Wake Forest and, frankly, Wake Forest beating Florida State was a factor," Palm Beach coach Dan Burke said.

"At the Florida State-Florida game, there was some yapping going on [in] the stands, and Wake Forest's win was mentioned a lot."

Williams was timed over 40 yards in 4.4 seconds at a Nike combine and at South Carolina's summer camp.

"His speed is legitimate," Burke said.

Burke used Williams at wide receiver, free safety and cornerback. He believes Wake Forest could use Williams at any of those positions.

"We play a lot of zone coverage, but Mike has the ability to be a great lock-down corner," Burke said, referring to a cornerback who can cover a receiver man-to-man all over the field.

PIRATES GET BACK: East Carolina picked up a commitment from South Central Pitt runner Tyrell Worthington.

Worthington (6-0, 185) has great speed and has been chosen to play on the North Carolina Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas team.

He rushed for 2,591 yards and scored 28 touchdowns for the Falcons. He averaged 8.1 yards per carry.

Worthington also is an outstanding baseball player.

CULLIVER TO ALL-STAR GAME: Garner defensive back Chris Culliver has been selected to play in the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl on Jan. 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The 6-foot, 188-pound senior, who is one of the state's best kick returners, has made 140 tackles and intercepted four passes.

He is eager to play against some of the nation's top players.

"I think I'm the best, and I want to show everybody that I've got football skills," he said in a release from the all-star game.

"I know some people doubt me, even in the area. This gives me a chance to go against some of the best players in the country and try to shut them down.

"I'm going to show that I'm one of the best corners or safeties out there."

Culliver is believed to have narrowed his potential college choices to Clemson, South Carolina and Florida.

UNC BASEBALL: The University of North Carolina signed 12 baseball recruits, including two who are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 by Baseball America.

Matt Harvey, a right-handed pitcher in Mystic, Conn., is ranked as the nation's No. 1 prospect. Rick Porcello, a right-handed pitcher from Chester, N.J., is ranked No. 2.

Madison Bumgarner, a left-handed pitcher at South Caldwell, is ranked No. 6 by Perfect Game.

Also from the state, UNC signed right-handed pitcher Patrick Johnson of Hickory St. Stephens; centerfielder Ben Bunting of Randleman; third baseman Greg Holt of West Forsyth, right-handed pitcher Ryan Leach of East Rutherford; right-handed pitcher Garrett Davis of Pikeville Aycock and outfielder Zeke Blanton of East Rutherford.

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