On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 14 LB Justin Williams

On3 has updated its recruiting ranking for the 2024 class following the completion of the high school regular season for prospects. Conroe (Texas) Oak Ridge five-star linebacker and Georgia commit Justin Williams is the No. 14 overall prospect in the 2024 On300.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 20 five-star players, up one from the previous update in September. Of those 20 prospects, 19 are already committed to college programs. While some recruits may have played their last down as a high schooler, evaluations — both in-person and on tape — are far from over.

This latest ranking sets the table for the important final ranking in January 2024. That last update comes after postseason all-star games, where top prospects across the country face off during a week of practices and end with games in Orlando and San Antonio. Following those evaluations, the 2024 On300 will finish with 32 five-star prospects.

Williams committed to Georgia near the end of July over Oregon.

“Talking to a lot of the starters at Georgia when I went on my OV and hearing their words about how it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk but ultimately you want to get to the league,” Williams told On3. “So why not come to Georgia? You get the best of both worlds. It’s tough but you can succeed. I think that’s worth it at the end of the day.

Justin Williams Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a prospect:

“Rangy linebacker with elite speed that makes him a near prototype at the position. Measured in at around 6-foot-2, 210 pounds prior to his senior season. Added very good weight as a junior. Owns plus length for the position with arms a shade under 33 inches. The fastest top linebacker in the combine setting in 2024. Backed that up on the track with a stellar 11.01-second mark in the 100 meters. Transfers that high-end athleticism over to the field. Originally a safety, he moved to linebacker full-time as a junior and had a very productive season, notching 105 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Lines up as a mike backer for his high school.

“Shows the ability to stack and shed incoming blockers. Excels bringing down ball players from sideline to sideline and in the backfield. Flashes an elite first step and ability to close. Draws on his experience as a safety to aid in coverage and playing in space. Will need to continue adding mass and strength. A strong tackler in his first year as a linebacker but can improve the pop in his hands and overall play strength. Flashes considerable upside given his high-end combination of athleticism, length and range.”