Five-Star Plus+ DL Williams Nwaneri locks in commitment date, top schools

Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North High Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri will announce his college decision on August 14th.

The 6-foot-6, 250 pounder is down to the following schools: Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, and Oklahoma.

He took official visits with the Tigers, Bulldogs, Volunteers and Sooners this summer, and he took an unofficial visit last weekend to see the Ducks as well.

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 checks in as the No. 1 defensive lineman and the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri.

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

Nwaneri discusses finalists

Nwaneri quickly broke down each of his five finalists ahead of his decision:

Missouri: Ever since they started recruiting me, I feel like they’ve been very consistent and genuine.

Georgia: It’s not too much that has to be said about Georgia. They’re the power house of college football right now. I feel like if I was to go there I would be successful.

Tennessee: I like the way their system is ran. I like Coach Heupel, and I feel like the program there is in a very good position.

Oregon: I always have a good time and enjoy it when I’m in Eugene. Coach Lanning and the rest of the staff always look out and show great hospitality. I also feel like it’s somewhere I can go and be successful.

Oklahoma: I have a great relationship with Coach Chavis and Bates. It’s always great vibes in Norman.

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.”

Nwaneri currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $364K. 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.