No. 8 Ryan Williams (WR, uncommitted) | DeVonta Smith
Credit to 247Sports national scouting analyst Cooper Petagna — a former Power Five director of player personnel — for this player comparison. Like former Heisman winner DeVonta Smith, Ryan Williams owns a lean, lithe, but explosive frame that has helped him amass huge production in his abbreviated Saraland (Ala.) career.
Despite the slight stature, each wideout shows in-traffic, ball-winning ability, not to mention elite run-after-catch athleticism. Multi-sport data mirrors as well: Smith hit the 10.6-second 100-meter range with solid 200-meter reps and a 45-foot triple jump in his Amite (La.) days, while Williams boasts one of the top track and field profile by a football player in the entire country. He’s hit 10.49 and 21.28 seconds in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, respectively, as well as 47.5 seconds in the 400-meter dash and impressive jumps, including a 6-foot-8 high jump PR.
While these guys certainly stretch the field, they represent an archetype of lean, sinewy playmakers who excel in the modern game as do-it-all receivers who can play outside, in the slot and in the return game.
