USC Trojans

Pac-12

Williams next in line

Early returns on freshman defensive lineman are quite impressive

Updated: August 25, 2012, 11:05 PM ET
By Greg Katz | WeAreSC.com
LOS ANGELES - - Every decade or so, a freshman defensive lineman comes rolling into the University of Southern California football program with a recruiting reputation as big as the Pacific Ocean. For lifelong Trojans fans, you recall the names of Gary Jeter, George Achica, Tim Ryan, Darrell Russell, and Shaun Cody.

You then stand up and take notice when renowned defensive line coach Ed Orgeron says that true freshman defensive tackle Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) is as talented but bigger (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) than Cody, the most recent ballyhooed freshman defensive tackle who turned out to be every bit as good as advertised.

Orgeron should know, since he recruited both Williams and Cody and is considered one of college football's foremost evaluators of defensive line talent. His track record of putting his defensive linemen into the NFL is second to none.

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Greg Katz | email

Columnist, WeAreSC.com
  • USC Trojans columnist
  • Football Writers Association member
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2011

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