2015 NFL Draft: How Dominant is USC DL Leonard Williams?
Sep 6, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) reacts after the Trojans recovered a fumble against the Stanford Cardinal in the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Trojans defeated the Cardinal 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
As we approach a new week of college football, we’re going to have our eye on a lot of players but one in particular that really stood out in week two action was USC junior defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
In the Trojans’ huge win over Stanford, Williams was key up front, racking up 11 tackles, one for loss, and a sack. What’s more is that Williams is currently not playing at 100 percent health. He’s a 6’5″ 300 pound athletic beast on the interior of the defense, but he can also play some end if need be.
What really stands out about Williams is his ability to use his strength, his hands, and his overall quickness to win matchups with offensive linemen. Even not at 100 percent, he was throwing around Stanford linemen like rag dolls.
That’s not easy to do.
His ability to finish plays with force and throw offensive players aside in the process is incredibly impressive, and has him vying for the title of number one overall pick in this upcoming draft, which could potentially give us two straight years of a defensive lineman going number one overall.
Williams’ quickness, strength, pro-ready hand usage, and overall aggressive mindset in taking down ball carriers is having NFL scouts drooling. USC will take on Boston College in week three action on ESPN on Saturday, and Williams will be at the center of focus along with Trojan quarterback Cody Kessler, who is also having a breakout year.
As to the question of how dominant Williams is, the answer is at this point — very. He’s showing his ability to bust up offensive lines by himself, using his elite athletic tools to physically overpower anyone who stands in his path.
Rest assured, the NFL is ready to get their hands on this kid.