Scouting Journals for Ashley Williams

State champion edge rusher for Zachary (LA) as a junior who wins with burst, bend and the ability to close on ball carriers. Stands in at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Lacks ideal NFL length off the edge. Body type is narrow and will struggle to add substantial weight for the next level but not impossible. Likely to end up at stand-up backer than a true defensive end. Explosive and plays with tremendous leverage. Plays very low to the ground and gets underneath offensive linemen with ease. Ran an electronically-timed 4.87 40-yard dash and 7.52 3-cone drill during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Jumped a 27-inch vertical and a 9-foot-6 broad jump during the same circuit. Has the athletic ability and bend to excel at the next level. His ability to maintain movement skills while attempting to add weight will determine his ceiling. Early impact player at the next level as a situational pass rusher with a chance for role expansion pending on physical growth.

On300 EDGE Ashley Williams Jr. continues to assert himself as one of the ascending stars on the defensive line in the state and around the country. On3's No. 31-rated EDGE, the 6-foot-5, 225-pounder was prolific pressuring QB Rickie Collins, who is a threat to escape the pocket on any given snap. Williams flew around the edge and collapsed the pocket on multiple occasions, and was equally as impactful in pursuit to the sideline to cut off rushing lanes. Williams' high motor was on display and was a key part of Zachary's second-half shutout on defense. The Auburn commit is able to outmaneuver opposing linemen and breeze around them, and he's really just beginning to scratch the surface. He finished the night unofficially with three sacks, including two and a first-down-saving tackle on one series in the second half.