Andrew Williams’ recruitment has gained significant momentum this summer. In June, the 6’7″, 275-pound offensive tackle received offers from Big 12 schools such as Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State, all following impressive performances at their camps. BYU extended an offer to Williams after he attended their camp in Provo earlier this month. TJ Woods and BYU hosted Williams on an official visit the following week, which ultimately led to his commitment today.
The more exposure Williams got, the more college coaches recognized his potential. His frame is built for the NFL, and he possesses significant raw strength. While his technique still needs refinement, the foundation for a highly productive offensive lineman is evident. With continued development and high-level coaching, Williams has the potential to become a dominant force on the offensive line in the future.
Williams hails from Kirksville High School in Missouri, which competes in Class 4 football, not the largest division in the state. Despite playing at a smaller school, Williams’ performance has caught the attention of numerous college coaches. Although Big 12 offers only started coming in after his camp appearances, he already had several offers from FCS schools and Ivy League institutions. Coaches who have seen him play have consistently been impressed.
For BYU, this recruiting victory was significant for TJ Woods. It’s always positive for BYU to outperform conference rivals in recruiting. It’s especially beneficial when they surpass teams coached by former BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. Grimes had a key role in making the BYU offensive line a powerhouse. After being let go as Baylor’s offensive coordinator last season, many BYU fans speculated he might return to Provo. However, Grimes took the position of offensive coordinator at Kansas, while BYU brought in Woods as the offensive line coach. Woods’ success in out-recruiting Grimes is a notable achievement for him.
Williams bears a strong resemblance to Blake Freeland in both size and athleticism. Like Freeland, he is still learning the intricacies of the offensive tackle position. Freeland’s development was swift, culminating in his selection in the NFL Draft. Although he faced some challenges early on, he ultimately became one of the top offensive tackles in the country. Williams has the potential to follow a similar path. Looking ahead to 2025, BYU is expected to have openings at both offensive tackle spots, giving Williams a chance to compete for early playing time. Freeland earned a starting role as a true freshman, and Williams could achieve the same.
BYU has had a strong month of June on the recruiting trail. Williams is a nice way to wrap up the month for the Cougars.
