On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: New leader for 5-star DL Williams Nwaneri

Lee’s Summit (Mo.) Lee’s Summit North five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri is one of the top players in the 2024 cycle. He has recently taken visits to Kansas State and Oklahoma and was at LSU this weekend.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound defender visited the Sooners last weekend. And following an expert prediction from On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman, Oklahoma is now the heavy favorite for his commitment at 78.0%, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Nwaneri is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Missouri. 

On3 rates Nwaneri higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, Nwaneri is the No. 2 overall prospect in the country.

Nwaneri told On3’s Chad Simmons following his trip to Norman that the Sooners “should be” among his top five programs. He got to watch practice on his visit and liked how Oklahoma’s players worked hard and with intensity.

“I feel Oklahoma could be a place for me,” Nwaneri said. “It is a place I could fit in and become a successful player at.”

Co-defensive coordinator/defensive tackles coach Todd Bates and defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis are two reasons why Nwaneri is interested in the Sooners. All three of them discussed what it would look like if the Missouri native chose Oklahoma.

“They would work me some inside, some outside and they would show my versatility,” Nwaneri said. “It was good to hear their plan. They would let me drop in coverage too.”

Nwaneri also spent time speaking with head coach Brent Venables.

“He is getting things back,” Nwaneri said. “Oklahoma has a good recruiting class coming in and I think things are getting back on track. I think coach Venables has a great plan.”

Williams Nwaneri On3 Scouting Summary 

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Williams Nwaneri: 

“The most physically-gifted defensive line prospect early on in the 2024 cycle. 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 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.