Williams and Herring
ATLANTA – Just a few observations from today’s Rivals Five-Star Challenge at the Georgia Dome, where we’ve already had 1-on-1s and position drills:
*** I’ve been asked here before my preference between Forsyth (Ga.) Mary Persons four-star defensive end Malik Herring and Virginia Beach (Va.) Cox four-star end Jordan Williams, and I’ve opined Williams by a hair simply because he’s a tad bigger and longer.
This is no indictment on Williams in the least, but I’m changing my answer to Herring.
Having watched him both at the Dabo Swinney Camp and today, it just reinforced what you like about him to begin with. The Shaq Lawson comps are reasonable; he has a thicker build but possesses a more complete package of strength, quickness and motor. Plus he’s a guy who’s always first in line, loves to compete and fights for reps.
Williams was good, too, and to me belongs in the tier with Herring and Zach Carter as the priority guys for Clemson.
*** I’ve always said with quarterbacks that I must see them in person before giving what I consider a credible opinion of them. Hence my reservations on stamping Brownsburg (Ind.) commitment Hunter Johnson a five-star.
OK, he’s a five-star.
He had some balls sail on him later in the morning, but for the first half, he was throwing ropes and hitting guys consistently in stride on 40- to 55-yard throws. Johnson simply throws a prettier and more accurate ball than anyone here IMO, and there are some big names here.
*** Mount Pleasant (S.C.) Wando four-star receiver OrTre Smith has had a tough morning. He only took three reps as far as I could tell, and I’m not sure if he’s still bothered by the ankle injury that hindered him in the spring. But he didn’t manage to generate much separation on those three routes.
*** Roswell (Ga.) corner commitment LeAnthony Williams has been pretty good. Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake five-star target A.J. Terrell has been OK, but the physical gifts are there to be harnessed as advertised.
Williams, Terrell and former corner target Trajan Bandy
*** A few of the best performers have been South Grande Prairie (Texas) five-star defensive back Jeff Okudah, Marquis Hayes, Maryland Heights (Md.) Pattonville four-star guard Marquis Hayes and Houston (Texas) Episcopal five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson.
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