On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 1, DL Williams Nwaneri

On3 has updated its recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of dozens of offseason camps, as well as events like the Elite 11 Finals and Overtime 7v7 Finals. Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri is the new No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 On300, jumping up from No. 2 overall in On3’s previous ranking release.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 15 five-star players, up from 11 in the previous update in April. Of those 15 prospects, seven are already committed to college programs, with five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman and defensive lineman Justin Scott the latest to come off the board to Texas A&M and Ohio State, respectively.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Nwaneri remains uncommitted and is coming off June official visits to Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Georgia, with Oregon also in the mix.

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) heavily favors the Sooners right now for Nwaneri, who has planned to commit before his senior season.

“What a June it has been for Five-star Plus+ defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri,” On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons wrote late last month. “He kicked off the month with an official visit to Georgia on the weekend of June 2, then ended it with an unofficial visit back to Athens.

… The Bulldogs are trending, and that is one of the biggest surprises of June. Oklahoma looks to be Georgia’s biggest competition. Tennessee has not given up either. The defender out of Kansas City has an official visit scheduled to Oregon for September. But I am hearing he will be committed before then.”

Williams Nwaneri Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a prospect:

“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.”