Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Williams Nwaneri signs with Missouri

Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Williams Nwaneri has signed with Missouri.

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Nwaneri is the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the No. 1 recruit in the On300.

Mizzou won out for the elite EDGE on Aug. 14, when he committed to the in-state SEC program over Georgia and Oklahoma. Nwaneri is one of the Tigers’ highest-ranked commits in program history.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Nwaneri said of choosing Mizzou. “But I had to do what was best for me. Really, I felt like I was most comfortable with that coaching staff. It’s close to home and all that, so I felt like it was the right decision for me at the time.”

Nwaneri has an On3 NIL Valuation of $393K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Williams Nwaneri Scouting Summary

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

“The most physically-gifted defensive line prospect in the 2024 cycle. Has an elite frame, measuring in at over 6-foot-6, 260 pounds and an 11-inch hand. Has elite length for the position and moves very well for his size. Flashed some of his high-end potential as a sophomore, but took a step as a junior. Finished his junior campaign with 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while helping his team to the state title game. Shows the ability to create disruption from multiple spots on the defensive line. The elite combination of length and athleticism creates mismatches, particularly as an interior pass rusher. Has improved his hands over time, flashing a budding swim move as a junior.

…Possesses the ability to neutralize linemen with his length. Displays very good flexibility with the ability to dip and bend around the edge. A loose, fluid mover in pursuit. Has the range and athleticism to run down skill players from behind. Improving his technical skill at the position but has immense upside and capacity for improvement. Can also continue to improve as a run defender and edge setter. Could project to a number of spots along the defensive front including along the edge, but looks to be a defensive lineman long-term given his frame and potential to add substantial mass.”