'15 FL ATH Dexter Williams (Notre Dame Signed NLI)

[ryno 24]

I originally thought the same thing, but he has a natural flow at runningback. He knows how to find the hole. People also thought that Ezekial Elliot would be a better corner than rb and how did that turn out.

 

[pkt77242]

I second this concern. Does anyone remember a Mr. Armando Allen from FL? Never got over 190-195 lbs and while having good speed, the only tackle I remember him breaking was the embrace of the one of the cheerleaders.

I dont recall too many bruisers from Florida. Fl has speed in abundance but I dont recall too many wreckingballs from there.

While they do produce more speed guys, they also produce a fair amount of bruisers as well. In the last couple of years they have produced:
Derrick Henry
James Wilder
Javorious Allen
Matt Jones

And in this years recruiting class they have a couple of big boys who weight in between 220-230.
Jacques Patrick
Jordan Scarlett
D'Anfernee Mcgriff

 

[Ironman8]

A 131.37 SPARQ score is crazy good, which he got last March. 44.5 inch vertical and 4.01 on the shuttle is elite for a 200+ RB who tossed the power ball over 36 feet. I wasn't blown away by some things on his highlight tape, but he has the raw tools to be a very good player. Hopefully Alford can coach him up into a star.

 

[IrishLax]

A 131.37 SPARQ score is crazy good, which he got last March. 44.5 inch vertical and 4.01 on the shuttle is elite for a 200+ RB who tossed the power ball over 36 feet. I wasn't blown away by some things on his highlight tape, but he has the raw tools to be a very good player. Hopefully Alford can coach him up into a star.

I actually think his film is "3" caliber... if that. In his HS film plays like a slower GAIII. Runs very upright. There's a lot to hate. Now, with that being said, given his physical attributes he could easily develop into a dynamic playmaker and I'm beyond thrilled that he's the second RB we're adding to this class.

I wish he had gone through the SPARQ testing at The Opening to see what he would've posted there. He's a legit 5'11" 195 per his The Opening weigh in. That means he should probably be able to get up to 210 no problem. Much like Adams, whether he develops into a good back will be dependent on how his running style develops and how he adjusts to the college game. I do like that he's 5'11" and not something like 6'1" because I think backs below 6' tall have an easier time learning to play with low pad level if they're not naturally "power runners."

 

[Whiskeyjack]

And in this years recruiting class they have a couple of big boys who weight in between 220-230.
Jacques Patrick
Jordan Scarlett
D'Anfernee Mcgriff

 

[koonja]

I actually think his film is "3" caliber... if that. In his HS film plays like a slower GAIII. Runs very upright. There's a lot to hate. Now, with that being said, given his physical attributes he could easily develop into a dynamic playmaker and I'm beyond thrilled that he's the second RB we're adding to this class.

I wish he had gone through the SPARQ testing at The Opening to see what he would've posted there. He's a legit 5'11" 195 per his The Opening weigh in. That means he should probably be able to get up to 210 no problem. Much like Adams, whether he develops into a good back will be dependent on how his running style develops and how he adjusts to the college game. I do like that he's 5'11" and not something like 6'1" because I think backs below 6' tall have an easier time learning to play with low pad level if they're not naturally "power runners."

Sort of agree, although the '3 star if that' is rubbish. He's blazing on his film and I think he's football-faster than GAIII.

I'm hoping Adams adds good weight and is our down hill rusher. His running style reminds me of a poor man's Derrick Henry. Tall, heavy (although not like Henry), not a big cutter but is fast and always leaning down hill. Add the dreads, the dye, and 30 LBs and we're talking.

Id prefer at least one power back so if adams can get to 225 and I'd be very happy.

 

[Monk]

I second this concern. Does anyone remember a Mr. Armando Allen from FL? Never got over 190-195 lbs and while having good speed, the only tackle I remember him breaking was the embrace of the one of the cheerleaders.

I dont recall too many bruisers from Florida. Fl has speed in abundance but I dont recall too many wreckingballs from there.

I remember watching and seeing a wide open field if he could only get past the one guy who would shoe string tackle him. It was very frustrating.

 

[IrishLax]

Sort of agree, although the '3 star if that' is rubbish. He's blazing on his film and I think he's football-faster than GAIII.

I'm hoping Adams adds good weight and is our down hill rusher. His running style reminds me of a poor man's Derrick Henry. Tall, heavy (although not like Henry), not a big cutter but is fast and always leaning down hill. Add the dreads, the dye, and 30 LBs and we're talking.

Id prefer at least one power back so if adams can get to 225 and I'd be very happy.

You're right, "if that" is over the top considering the level of competition he plays. I just don't see 4.4 speed... seems like his 4.55 time is probably accurate... and I don't think you can run away from people in college like he does in HS with that speed.

I don't like all the GAIII parallels. GAIII was 6'1" 220 (so taller than Williams for sure) and was tops at the combine in vertical and 60-yard shuttle, and posted sub 4.5 40s. He was a waste as a player because he wasn't a natural runner.

There are lots of examples (Todd Gurley, etc.) of RBs who develop a great running style after getting to college even if they don't show it on HS film. So it's quite possible that happens with Williams, because he has all the physical tools. I'm THRILLED we'll be adding him but I'd probably grade him out around an 88 on 247 given his film and everything else.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Sort of agree, although the '3 star if that' is rubbish. He's blazing on his film and I think he's football-faster than GAIII.

I'm hoping Adams adds good weight and is our down hill rusher. His running style reminds me of a poor man's Derrick Henry. Tall, heavy (although not like Henry), not a big cutter but is fast and always leaning down hill. Add the dreads, the dye, and 30 LBs and we're talking.

Id prefer at least one power back so if adams can get to 225 and I'd be very happy.

That's what I am hoping for with Adams too.

To me, I think Dexter looks like a 4-star back. Not a guy like Ronald Jones, but not a 3-star either.

You're right, "if that" is over the top considering the level of competition he plays. I just don't see 4.4 speed... seems like his 4.55 time is probably accurate... and I don't think you can run away from people in college like he does in HS with that speed.

I don't like all the GAIII parallels. GAIII was 6'1" 220 (so taller than Williams for sure) and was tops at the combine in vertical and 60-yard shuttle, and posted sub 4.5 40s. He was a waste as a player because he wasn't a natural runner.

There are lots of examples (Todd Gurley, etc.) of RBs who develop a great running style after getting to college even if they don't show it on HS film. So it's quite possible that happens with Williams, because he has all the physical tools. I'm THRILLED we'll be adding him but I'd probably grade him out around an 88 on 247 given his film and everything else.

This is more like it. He's fast enough that he doesn't get touched much by good competition, but its unclear how much of that will translate to college. But he is clearly a good take.

He's doesn't dance as much as some speed kids, which is nice. He's more like a fast Cam McDaniel, than a GAIII.

 

[GoldenDomer]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> is at West Orange HS in Orlando, home of 2015 RB Dexter Williams, right now.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/557958461708066816">January 21, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Ironman8]

 

[Irish Fam]

Seems like an ideal candidate for some jet sweeps from day one. He likes to get up field and bounce it to the outside while avoiding as much contact as possible.

Really, I just want to see some jet sweeps, swing passes, and creative offensive sets this year. I loved watching our offense against LSU. They're defense was scrambled and concerned about every skill position player on every play.

 

[ryno 24]

Coffee and Whiskey are for Closers

http://media3.giphy.com/media/D6FQLH3DK4lPO/200_s.gif

 

[Monk]

I think my F5 button is broken

 

[arrowryan]

I really don't want this to last until NSD

 

[NDPhilly]

How's Mike Gillislee from Florida a couple years ago for a comparison. Around the same size (IMO Williams has a wider frame). Both are speed backs with great agility but not much power.

I think Williams can be better than Gillislee if he can learn like Theo to run hard and through contact but right now I think Gillislee is a good comparison.

 

[koonja]

Been a long time since I seen it, but I thought Savvon Huggins when I watched Dexter's film.

 

[ResLife Hero]

It's interesting to see people's takes on his power here. I'm trying to find the article, but just last week or so I read that he was comparable to Jones II, but with slightly less wiggle and slightly better strength. I haven't taken the time to really compare their tape, but it was weird to read that and then see all the concern about him going down too easy.

 

[ResLife Hero]

Dexter Williams names Notre Dame his leader after Brian Kelly visit - Orlando Sentinel

Williams even said Kelly's visit, coupled with his official visit to South Bend, Ind., this past weekend, puts Notre Dame in the driver's seat as a favorite to win his services on National Signing Day, Feb. 4.

"Nah, I wouldn't say that ... well, actually, yeah I guess I would say that," Williams pondered aloud.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

So he didn't commit. Not encouraging.

 

[NCND]

So he didn't commit. Not encouraging.

+1.

 

[Luckylucci]

His in-home visit with BK and Alford is for 6pm tonight per Loy.

A lot of times coaches will drop by school to meet HC, create some buzz, etc. Then do the in-home later in the day with parents. They met with Dexter during his lunch period.

 

[PANDFAN]

So he didn't commit. Not encouraging.

i could be wrong here as i don't have 247 but the tweet from Loy seemed to indicate that he will be doing an in home tonight w/ him... h<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>When will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a>'s Brian Kelly and Tony Alford meet with 4-star RB Dexter Williams tonight? We got you. <a href="http://t.co/32Qz5BonMm">http://t.co/32Qz5BonMm</a> (VIP)</p>— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247/status/557974618343235585">January 21, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>ome

 

[koonja]

i could be wrong here as i don't have 247 but the tweet from Loy seemed to indicate that he will be doing an in home tonight w/ him... h<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>When will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a>'s Brian Kelly and Tony Alford meet with 4-star RB Dexter Williams tonight? We got you. <a href="http://t.co/32Qz5BonMm">http://t.co/32Qz5BonMm</a> (VIP)</p>— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247/status/557974618343235585">January 21, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>ome

Loy with the 'we got you'. I love it, lol.

 

[ryno 24]

Loy might not always be the most accurate, he definitely seems like a hard worker and I appreciate that. But I feel good about Williams

 

[koonja]

Loy might not always be the most accurate, he definitely seems like a hard worker and I appreciate that. But I feel good about Williams

CBs are a joke 80% of the time, but I strickly want info fast and he's great at that.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

His in-home visit with BK and Alford is for 6pm tonight per Loy.

A lot of times coaches will drop by school to meet HC, create some buzz, etc. Then do the in-home later in the day with parents. They met with Dexter during his lunch period.

This was the source of my confusion. Thanks for the explanation.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

If we don't get a commitment tonight, it's foreshadowing.

Mekhi Brown will switch to us....only to have his grandmother get sick and she'll rely on treatment from a team in Tuscaloosa.

Crawford won't have the grades after enrolling so he'll be sent away with bags in hand. Most likely he ends up at Oklahoma or an SEC school.

Alize and Boykin will be a packaged deal to Houston.

Barajas (our lightest skinned linebacker) will be going to Florida, whom his father has always loved.

And most surprisingly, a Hawaiian recruit and his best friend will choose us on national signing day....for hockey.

History always repeats itself.

 

[Luckylucci]

This was the source of my confusion. Thanks for the explanation.

Understandably so, that Orlando Sentinel article was a little misleading. Since they didn't mention the in-home visit to come later, it seemed as though it wasn't happening.

 

[IrishLax]

Everyone needs to chill lol... too many people all over the place right now. Former players, analysts, writers, etc. etc.