Four-star receiver Devon Williams committed to play his college football for USC, he announced on National Signing Day. Williams is the No. 6 receiver and No. 40 overall player in the class of 2018, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Of the 150-some players who turned up at Nike’s world headquarters for The Opening Finals in late June 2017, none was more impressive than Williams. The Lancaster, Calif., product was one of the stars of the recruiting showcase on offense, where he repeatedly torched defensive backs for long touchdowns. And he played occasionally on defense, where he’s a solid cornerback or safety.
Williams is probably a receiver in college, though he’s good enough to be a cornerback if his coaches decide that’s best. He’d been expected for months to eventually commit to Oregon, and his recruitment didn’t appear to be a race between the Ducks and USC until its final weeks.
Williams is a good athlete all-around, and the basics in his game are not hard to spot. He’s a well-built 6’4, and he’s also got burner speed.
Some players need to rely on concise route-running or sticky hands to get an edge. Williams just has to be bigger, faster, and higher in the air than his competition. Because of his physical gifts, he’s almost always all of those things.
Throw up a 50-50 ball for Williams, and you’re really throwing up about an 80-20 ball. He’s just better than what he’s facing.