Five-Star DL Williams Nwaneri names Top 10

Five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri of Lee’s Summit (MO) North High has narrowed his list to ten schools.

The 6-foot-6, 250 pounder is down to the following: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Missouri, Oregon, Georgia, Colorado, Nebraska, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Arkansas.

Williams Nwaneri Scouting Summary

“The most physically-gifted defensive line prospect early on in the 2024 cycle,” On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote. “Has an elite frame, measuring in at over 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wing-span and an 11-inch hand. Moves very well for his size. Clocked a sub-5.0-second electronically-timed 40-yard dash prior to his junior season. Also shows fluidity with change of direction in the camp setting. Flashed some of his high-end potential as a sophomore, showing the ability to create disruption from multiple spots on the defensive line. Has the range and athleticism to run down skill players from behind. Still developing in terms of technical skill at the position but has immense upside and capacity for improvement. Could project to a number of spots along the defensive front, but looks to be a defensive lineman long-term given his frame and potential to add substantial mass.”

Nwaneri ranks as the No. 6 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, however, as he comes in as the No. 2 player nationally, the No. 1 defensive lineman, and the top player in the state of Missouri.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $311K. 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.

Nwaneri Personal Life (via On3 DB)

Lee’s Summit (Missouri) North coach Jamar Mozee was one of the nation’s most coveted recruits when he was coming through high school. Mozee had schools from all over the country recruiting him before he ended up playing for Bob Stoops at Oklahoma. So, it speaks volumes when he gushes about his star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri. “Williams is a phenomenal player,” Mozee told SBLive after a playoff game in 2022. “There’s so much upside to him, it’s almost scary. I haven’t seen anything like it in high school. From his build, physically, how he plays, his athleticism – it is different.” The numbers reflect that. While often receiving double and even sometimes triple teams, Nwaneri has racked up 99 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 31 hurries and 17 tackles for a loss over his sophomore and junior seasons. “Big No. 5 is a problem,” teammate Isaiah Mozee said. “He’s ranked that high for a reason. He’s phenomenal.” Away from football, Nwaneri loves gaming. His favorite foods are chicken alfredo and Reese’s.