NC State commitment analysis: 3-star DL Makhi Williams-Lee

Makhi WIlliams-Lee wrapped up his recruitment and committed to NC State July 4. The three-star defensive lineman from Atlanta (Ga.) Lakeside High joined the Wolfpack’s 2025 class on his birthday, picking the program over Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

He took three official visits, but the Wolfpack set the bar high on his first trip to Raleigh. NC State recruited Williams-Lee as one of its top overall defensive line prospects after offering the potential nose tackle May 14.

On3 considers him the No. 88 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 97 prospect in Georgia.

Who’s left on NC State’s defensive line board?

NC State now holds three defensive line commits. Three-star defensive end Colby Cronk joined the class in March, with nose tackle Omarian Abraham making his decision shortly after a June 21-23 official visit with the Wolfpack.

The program plans on signing a crowded defensive line class this cycle. Now that Williams-Lee has joined the Pack, all attention turns to three-star defensive lineman Mykah Newton. The priority recruit from Newberry (Fla.) High will decide between UCF, Michigan State and NC State July 18.

Similar to Williams-Lee and Abraham, Newton quickly rose to the top of the Wolfpack’s recruiting board earlier this summer. On3 ranks him as the No. 55 defensive lineman nationally. If he commits to NC State later this month, then this defensive line class should be considered a significant success.

Makhi Williams-Lee can line up anywhere

Williams-Lee is an extremely versatile prospect who should thrive at nose tackle but could play anywhere on NC State’s front. At 6-1, 290 pounds, he is extremely quick but also showcases the strength that he will need to anchor the middle of NC State’s front. The lineman’s agility will allow him to slide outside and make plays as a defensive end and, on passing downs, his already formidable pass-rushing skill set will help him disrupt plays in the interior.

Williams-Lee is our favorite DL prospect in this cycle

Competing at the second-highest classification in Georgia high school football, Williams-Lee finished his junior season with 77 total tackles (22 for loss), including an impressive 61 solo stops. He also added 10 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.

He showcased an impressive arsenal of pass rushing moves last fall. Even though he is shorter than most defensive lineman, he makes up for that with an elite first step. Williams-Lee absolutely blows by offensive linemen after the snap. In many of his highlight clips, his opponents can’t even get a hand on him.

The NC State commit is also strong enough to bull rush before using his quick hands to disengage from the block and make a play. With him and the rest of the defensive line class, it’s clear the Wolfpack is prioritizing explosiveness.

The Pack addressed scheme concerns

Williams-Lee has the perfect skill set to dominate on the Pack’s defensive line thanks to his eye-catching agility. NC State’s three-man front can be difficult to recruit to at times because the scheme does not lend itself to huge stats. With that said, the Wolfpack also consistently develops NFL-caliber defensive tackles.

NC State beat out Oklahoma for a defensive lineman— an impressive feat that should not go undersold. He went into his Wolfpack official visit skeptical about his fit with the defense, and the staff showed him how he would fit into the scheme.

It’s easy to see how he could succeed in Raleigh. His speed and first step are hard to find, and he has plenty of proven production at a very competitive level of prep football. The stats back up his film and some other impressive camp highlights. His explosiveness is reminiscent of Alim McNeill coming out of high school.

Williams-Lee’s junior season highlights

Class of 2025 Commitment Timeline

June 27, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star quarterback Will Wilson, Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast
Aug. 12, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star tight end Gus Ritchey, Cary (N.C.) High
March 22, 2024 — On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Colby Cronk, Palm Coast (Fla.) Flagler Palm Coast High
May 4, 2024 — On3 Industry three-star safety Tristan Teasdell, Leesburg (Va.) Tuscarora High
June 9, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Jamar Browder, Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces Community High
June 11, 2024— On3 Industry three-star cornerback Caden Gordon, Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces Community High
June 21, 2024— On3 Industry three-star cornerback Cam Strong, Anderson (S.C.) T L Hanna High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Arrion Concepcion, Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star running back RJ Boyd, Waycross (Ga.) Ware County High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Jerel Bolder, Marshville (N.C.) Forest Hills High
June 24, 2024— Defensive lineman Omarian Abraham, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage High
June 30, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Michael Gibbs, Wilmington (N.C.) Hoggard High
July 4, 2024— On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Makhi Williams-Lee, Atlanta (Ga.) Lakeside High

Commits By Position

Quarterback — 1
Running back — 1
Wide receiver — 3
Tight end — 1
Offensive line — 1
Defensive line — 3
Linebacker — 0
Nickel — 0
Safety — 1
Cornerback — 2

Commits By State

North Carolina — 4
South Carolina — 2
Florida — 4
Georgia — 2
Virginia — 1

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