Alonzo Williams liked USC and had interest in LSU, but Texas A&M is where he wanted to be.

The Abbeville High junior made it official Tuesday night, giving head coach Mike Sherman and the Aggies an early verbal commitment. He will officially sign with the school in February 2012.

“It feels good to get it done early,” Williams said. “It takes pressure off and I can keep focusing on my grades.

“It’s a good school and a place I can get a great education.”

Williams said academics played an important role in his decision. The quality of the team, which went 9-4 and reached the Cotton Bowl, helped, too.

“I think it’s a good fit over all,” Williams said.

Abbeville head football coach Larry Breaux said Williams is a good fit for the Aggies, both on and off the field.

“He’s shown a lot of leadership and character,” Breaux said. “He’s taken care of his business in the classroom and on the field and in the classroom.

“He shows that hard work pays off.”

Williams helped the Wildcats reach the playoffs as a junior in ‘10. He totaled more than 30 tackles, including 10 for a loss, and had five sacks. He earned Vermilion Parish Defensive MVP honors, as well as All-Parish, All-District and second team All State.

“I think he has a chance to play early in his career,” Breaux said.

Williams said A&M coaches have projected him to play defensive end.

“They also talked to me about playing tight end,” Williams said of a spot he played part time for the Wildcats last season.

Williams is no stranger to College Station, having visited for a couple of games last season. He took a trip this past weekend for the school’s Junior Day.

“It’s a nice place,” Williams said. “It’s about five and a half hours away so it’s not too far.”

Williams, who will help Abbeville’s fifth-ranked basketball team open the playoffs Friday at home, isn’t the first player to take the path from AHS to College Station. Brandon Mitchell played for the Aggies before going on to the NFL.

“He was really excited,” Williams said after telling Mitchell of his pick. “He told me, ‘welcome to the Aggie Family.’

“He said Aggies are always helping other Aggies.”