What 5-Star LB Justin Williams Brings to Georgia

Georgia's most recent addition to its top-ranked 2024 recruiting class, has the potential to be one of the linebackers to ever play for the Bulldogs.

On Monday, Georgia added to it's top-rated 2024 recruiting class when it gained the commitment of Oak Ridge (TX) linebacker Justin Williams, the No.1 inside linebacker prospect in the country. If the 5-star linebacker ultimately signs with the Bulldogs in December, Georgia will have signed at least one 5-star at the position in each of the last four and six of the last seven recruiting cycles. While Georgia's inside linebacker lineage under Kirby Smart has no equal in college football over the past seven seasons, Williams has the physical ability and instincts to develop into one of the best to ever play for Georgia at the position. 

In a modern era of college football that features offenses routinely spreading the field to attack space, speed at the inside linebacker position has increasingly become a prerequisite for the best defenses in the country. Fortunately for Georgia, Williams is one of the most athletic and speedy inside linebacker prospects in recent years, as evidenced by the eye-popping numbers he put up through the course of the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season of high school football. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker posted a laser-timed 4.44 40-yard dash, a 4.39 short shuttle, and a 9-foot-10 broad jump this spring, all elite performances for any position, let alone inside linebacker. His spring camp performance supplemented his extremely impressive junior season track numbers of 11.01 in the 100 meters, 23.04 in the 200 meters, and 21-3 in the long jump. He redirects and changes directions exceptionally well and is almost never out of a play due to remarkable pursuit abilities.

5-star inside linebacker Justin Williams poses with Georgia Co-Defensive Coordinator and Inside Linebacker Coach Glenn Schumann on his official visit to Georgia in June. 

With a 6-foot-5 wingspan, the Conroe, Texas native also possesses impressive length that will aid him in controlling and shedding blockers, which he already displays on film at the high school level. That type of length in combination with his elite explosiveness also gives Williams the tools to develop into a strong pass rusher at the next level, something that the Georgia coaching staff has increasingly emphasized in its off-ball linebackers in recent years.

Weighing in at 210 pounds as he is set to enter his senior season of high school football, Williams will need to add weight at the next level, but with his 6-foot-2 frame that should happen quickly once he arrives in Athens and takes part in Georgia's highly effective strength and conditioning and nutrition programs. Still, despite playing at a lighter weight than he will in college, the Oak Ridge linebacker consistently displays a physical style of play and strong tackling abilities. While his uncommon athleticism for the position is his strength, Williams is also a strong box defender and fits against the run with authority. 

The top-10 national recruit has been extremely productive at the high school level. As a junior, he totaled 105 tackles, including 18 for loss and 8.5 sacks en route to being named the Texas District 13-6A Defensive Player of the Year. With off-the-charts athleticism, strong tackling ability, and the type of length that scouts covet, the Williams has all the requisite tools to add his name to the growing list of elite Georgia inside linebackers. 

Other Georgia News:

• Recruiting Update: Who Could Be Next for Georgia?
• George Pickens Can Be a “Top Guy in the League,” According to Steelers QB
• Preseason All-SEC Teams Released

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