Missouri 5-star DL commit Williams Nwaneri says he is locked in with the Tigers

Beating out Oklahoma, Georgia, and Tennessee for Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Williams Nwaneri was one of the biggest recruiting wins in Missouri football history.

Nwaneri, who hails from Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North, is the No. 1 overall recruit in the On300 rankings, and should he sign with the Tigers, he would be the highest-rated signee in school history. Since his commitment, schools have continued to stay in contact with him, including Oklahoma and Georgia.

But Nwaneri has yet to visit either of those schools since he committed in August, and on Monday he made an emphatic statement about the strength of his pledge.

I wonder if he’ll stop after I sign. Maybe then he’ll be convinced that I’m a tiger.😂 #MIZ 🖤💛

— ✞ Williams Nwaneri 🇳🇬 (@NwaneriWilliams) November 27, 2023

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Nwaneri committed to Missouri on Aug. 14, giving them a five-star commitment for the second time in the past three years.

“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.”

Tigers looking for strong close to 2024 cycle

Missouri already holds the No. 29 class in the team rankings, led by Nwaneri. But they have a few more targets they’d like to add.

Included in that group are four-star wide receiver Courtney Crutchfield, Ohio State four-star wide receiver commit Jeremiah McClellan, and four-star running back J’Marion Burnette, and four-star safety Trajen Greco.

The Tigers recently received a prediction from On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons to land Greco, and they’re also trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) for Crutchfield.

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.”