CLASS IMPACT: Dylan Williams Commits to Oregon

Breaking down Oregon's latest commitment in the 2024 recruiting class.

Oregon is making waves on the recruiting trail and just landed a massive commitment in Long Beach (Calif.) Poly linebacker Dylan Williams. 

Williams is the first linebacker pledge for the Ducks this cycle and he chose Oregon over a slew of other big-time programs like UCLA, Washington and Michigan State.

We're breaking this commitment down from all angles.

Recruiting Impact

This is a commitment that can take Oregon's recruiting class to the next level. Linebacker has been a need for them this entire cycle and they get their start at the position in a big way.

This commitment is also some much needed momentum for the Ducks after missing out on Elijah Rushing on Thursday. 

I've had the feeling Oregon was the team to beat since he de-committed from USC in the fall, and practically all the big schools got involved leading up to his decision, so make no mistake about it--this is a massive statement on the trail for Dan Lanning. 

The coaching staff is always going to stay active in Southern California and now Williams will reunite with his Long Beach Poly teammate Daylen Austin in Eugene to help build a special defense. 

There was some chatter of a possible USC visit in the week leading up to Williams' commitment, which means Oregon will have to continue actively recruiting him all the way until pen meets paper in December. 

The timing of his pledge is great too as the Ducks get a great start to July after a very busy month of visits in June. 

All in all, this is a huge win optically for the program and now Williams can help peer recruit for the Ducks. I think his commitment will be one that moves the needle with other recruits in this class like Kamar Mothudi, another talented Southern California linebacker set to commit next week.

Evaluation

Williams has all the tools you want in the modern linebacker. At 6'2", 215 pounds, he's got a solid frame with some room to add weight. 

He's got great athleticism and is explosive. He explodes through contact consistently and if you watch his tape, you can see clear as day he's just got a pop to his game. He's nasty and plays a physical brand of football, which is a requirement if you want to be special at his position.

Williams can get after the quarterback in the pass rush and plays with good leverage. It's not the main tool in his toolkit, but he's got a great foundation in that part of his game. He's also a disruptor in the run game who isn't afraid to lay a hit. He plays with a good motor and his long frame and closing speed make him a solid tackler.  

The newest Duck also excels at playing sideline-to-sideline, a crucial trait to be effective in pass coverage against running backs, tight ends and wide receivers.

He's very well coached at Long Beach Poly and his feel for the game helps set him apart from others in his class.

Outlook at Oregon

The Ducks don't have a lot of depth at inside linebacker heading into the 2023 season. After only signing one true high school linebacker last cycle (Jerry Mixon), the position is a major need in 2024.

Jestin Jacobs and Jeffrey Bassa are the two main names to watch at the position this year, and if all goes according to plan, Jacobs will be on his way to the NFL after one year in Eugene. 

That said, I think Williams has a good shot at seeing the field early at Oregon. If the Ducks can sign some of the other linebackers they're going after this cycle he'll have plenty of competition in that room. 

I think the staff is capable of adding more elite talent like Kamar Mothudi, Brayden Platt and maybe even Justin Williams, but I still think Dylan Williams is special and can be a starter in Eugene sooner rather than later.