Five-Star Plus+ DL Williams Nwaneri commits to Missouri

Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri of Lee’s Summit (MO) North High announced his commitment to Missouri Monday afternoon.

The 6-foot-6, 260 pounder chose the Tigers over Oklahoma, Georgia, and Tennessee.

“Really how comfortable I was with the coaching staff. Knowing that I’ll have the opportunity to come in and have a chance to play as a freshman was also big and to do it at home makes it even better.”

His relationship with the coaching staff and their plan for him played a role in his decision as well.

“I’m pretty close with Coach Drink and Coach Peoples. We talk often, almost everyday. They see me fitting into the defense rushing off the edge and maybe drop me into coverage sometimes.”

The Show Me State defensive lineman joins coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers’ top 60 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by four-star linebacker Brian Huff, four-star wide receiver James Madison II, and others.

Williams Nwaneri Recruiting Profile

Nwaneri ranks as the No. 3 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 1 defensive lineman and the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri.

On3 ranks him higher than the industry, as he tabs in as the No. 1 player in the 2024 class.

Scouting Summary

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team 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, with arms that measure in at over 36 inches. Moves very well for his size. Backed that up with a very strong 1.72 second 10-yard split at the UC Report’s Kansas City camp prior to his senior season. Also shows fluidity with change of direction in the camp setting. 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.”

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $364K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the 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.