OSU 2012 Class: Camren Williams

I’m sure that Bill O’Brien and Nittany Lion Nation removed Urban Meyer from their Christmas gift list several weeks ago, and today’s announcement will only cement that decision.  Nothing makes Penn State fans angrier than challenging their self-proclaimed title of “Linebacker U,” so you can only imagine how upset they must be that a top linebacker that had been commited to them since March is now a Buckeye.  In fact, and this speaks very well for Urban’s immediate impact and ability to reach players that would have previously looked elsewhere, Williams is the first scholarship player from Massachusetts since 1991.

Camren Williams, listed by Scout.com as the #16 outside linebacker in the 2012 class, decided today to make himself the 23rd member of Urban Meyer’s first class at Ohio State.  This flip is big for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that Williams had previously been one of the most outspoken leaders in PSU’s recruit class, and had been working on bringing several other players there.  This includes a very good HS teammate of his, Armani Reeves, who could also decide to come to Columbus, based on the Williams development.  So who is this athletic linebacker that will be joining potentially one of the best OSU defensive classes in a long time?

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 210 lbs

Hometown/School: West Roxbury, MA/Catholic Memorial High School

Position: Outside Linebacker

ESPN Scouting Report 06/07/2011:

Williams is very productive on both sides of the ball both as a receiver and linebacker.  However, we feel his size and athleticism are better suited for the inside linebacker position at the major level of competition; demonstrates very good open field tackling skills which should be beneficial as a special team’s coverage player.  Displays consistent ball catching skills; can catch out of the frame with good leaping ability and is competitive when in a crowd.  Has the ability to throw the deep reverse pass.  Possesses very good flexibility, balance and agility; demonstrates the foot quickness and fluid hips necessary to play in space.  Lines up in a variety of defensive alignments both on and off the line of scrimmage; does a real good job with key and diagnosis skills against the run and pass; shows very good instincts, getting a quick jump on the ball; has the quickness to fill gaps and beat blockers to the point of attack.  Possesses the playing strength necessary to take on blockers and stack the run off the edge.

This guy is never out of a play, demonstrating the ability to move laterally through traffic with excellent pursuit angles, displaying good makeup speed.  In pass coverage we see very good potential both as a zone and man defender; is smooth and quick in his back peddled; gets his eyes on the quarterback while demonstrating the ability to crossover, plant and break on the ball.  His good ball skills which are a carryover from wide receiver play.  This is a very versatile athlete; displays the range we look for when evaluating linebackers as coverage defenders; is capable of creating havoc on the opponent’s side of the ball.  His skills are what we look for when evaluating outside linebackers for the BCS level of play.  Williams has the athleticism and playing speed to see early playing time as a situational defensive player and on special teams.

Notes:  His father, Brent, played offensive line for the New England Patriots…

Cam Williams, along with Josh Perry, David Perkins, and the scary defensive line talent coming in should keep OSU where they belong and that is near the top of the defensive rankings in the Big Ten and nationally.  We’ve heard plenty over the years about OSU and the Big Ten’s lack of speed and athleticism when compared to the SEC, but Urban is on the recruiting warpath and aims to change that immediately.  Williams is an intelligent player who simply won’t get beat to the outside.  His pursuit angles on film are nearly perfect, granted they are against players typically less talented than himself, and he will only grow under the tutelage of Luke Fickell, Everett Withers, and “Wildman” Mike Vrabel.

I don’t expect Williams to enter this summer and earn himself a starting position on the defense, but I think that he, like several others in this class, will immediately be added on to special teams.  In fact, if you think about some of the freshman talent that could be in kick and punt coverage this year, it should be imposing.  I think that Williams, despite his speed, will add some bulk to his frame and move to a middle linebacker position, possibly earning a starting look as early as his sophomore year.  However, it should be noted that even more impressive than his film presence and potential is the fact that he is another student in this class that has been able to carry over a 3.4 GPA and is very focused on his studies…despite what other schools’ fans would have you believe about Urban’s recruits.

Now, Camren, send Mr. Reeves our way too!  Flip, flip, flipadelphia… Sorry, Penn State.  WE ARE…flipping your best recruits. 

Welcome to Ohio State, Mr. Williams.

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