Georgia takes lead for 5-star LB Justin Williams per RPM

Some would say Georgia is coming off of one of the most productive recruiting runs we’ve seen in recent memory. Some would argue that said recruiting run is still going. A look at the On3Sports profile of Oak Ridge (Conroe, Tex.) linebacker Justin Williams suggests that it’s the latter.

According the Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), UGA has taken the lead for Williams. With four picks in the past six days, the Bulldogs now hold 52.3 percent of the RPM, which takes into account picks, unofficial visits, and official visits. Oregon is trying to hold on there with 45.8 percent and Texas A&M is the only other school listed.

Georgia has some things working heavily in its favor. It’s success with linebackers is one of those. Since arriving at UGA in 2015, co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann has helped develop two Butkus Award winners in Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean. Multiple other Bulldogs have been Butkus Award finalists and semifinalists while also making All-American and All-SEC teams.

Then there’s a personal friendship that helps the Bulldogs out. Williams’ teammate at Oak Ridge High School, Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, committed to UGA on July 6. He’s the nation’s No. 44 overall prospect and No. 8 defensive lineman per the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that factors in the ratings from all four recruiting services.

In reality the Bulldogs have been slowly trending for Williams since he took an unofficial visit to UGA in May. Then he returned for an official visit late last month where Georgia started to really pick up steam.

On3 Scouting on Justin Williams

At 6-foot-2 210-pounds, Williams is the nation’s No. 9 overall prospect in the 2024 class per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is the top linebacker in America and the No. 3 player in Texas.

“The modern prototype for inside linebackers. Long and rangy player who can stack and shed incoming blockers but makes his money bringing down ball players from sideline to sideline and in the backfield with his elite first step and ability to close. Measures in at nearly 6-foot-2, 205 pounds with a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Ran an absurd electronically-timed 4.44 40-yard dash, 4.39 short shuttle and jumped a 9-foot-10 broad jump during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Monster on the track running an 11.01 100m, a 23.04 200m and jumped 21-foot-3 in the long jump during his junior track and field season. Has the all the physical tools and athletic ability to be an immediate contributor at the next level. Will need to add some mass to his frame but should maintain top-tier athletic ability as he physically develops. Has the chance to become a first round NFL draft selection once his college days are over due to his rare combination of length and athletic ability for the position.”

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