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Bryson Allen-Williams is one of the most sought-after defensive recruits in the Southeast. The 6'1, 214-pound outside linebacker prospect from Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove High School has an impressive list of offers, and it's easy to see why.
Allen-Williams is a consensus four-star recruit according to all the major services, and is rated as anywhere between the eighth and 20th-best outside linebacker recruit in the entire 2014 recruiting class. He's also rated among the top 15 overall players from the talent-rich state of Georgia. As of late May, Allen-Williams has offers from South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Oregon, and USC, amongst a long list of other major programs. As of early April, he was committed to South Carolina.
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: Allen-Williams lines up with his hand in the dirt on many of his plays. This is not something he'll do much in college, if at all, and does make it a bit tougher to evaluate and project him as a player. Williams is probably 6'2" flat and has the frame to eventually hold up to 240 pounds, provided he applies himself in a college strength program.
He profiles as an active player capable of being moved around and attacking from different angles. And attack he does -- Allen-Williams is quite good at playing downhill.
Allen-Williams has good short-area quickness and bends well, particularly when blitzing. Williams plays with good strength and delivers a blow to ball carriers.
Still, like most prospects, he has some things to work on, most of which will improve with reps and experience. First, he needs to become better and more natural in coverage. Second, he needs to improve his understanding of football and opposing offenses. If he does this, he'll take better angles to the ball carrier and will avoid opposing blockers.
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