Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star receiver C.J. Williams is the latest class of 2022 prospect to commit to Notre Dame. This is a big win for the Fighting Irish coaching staff and receivers coach Del Alexander in particular.
The 6-2, 193-pounder is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 72 overall player in the country, No. 9 receiver nationally and No. 7 prospect in the state of California. The 247Sports Composite Rankings list him as the No. 86 overall talent this cycle, No. 11 target at his position in the national and No. 7 recruit in his home state.
Notre Dame has long been considered a major player in the race to land Williams. Many talked about USC, Texas and Stanford, but it was the Fighting Irish that seemed to be one that carried a lot of weight with him.
“This is a funny one because Notre Dame had been a school I was very interested in for a while,” said Williams, as he thought back to the moment he landed the offer. “Just with the academics there, it’s a high-caliber program with a lot of rich history. So, me and wide receivers coach DelVaughn Alexander, he’s a Cali dude, we got in touch through coach Frogg over at the Stars facility in Anaheim. He put me in contact with him and we spoke on the phone first time via coach Frogg. It was a good talk. He didn’t offer me, but it was a good conversation. He just wanted to get a feel for me as a person, as a young man, and as a player. He took his time recruiting me, it took a minute, but three weeks after that coach Frogg got me on the phone with coach Alexander and that’s when they offered. It was a very good moment for sure.
“Notre Dame, I want to say they came in pretty early compared to a lot of my offers. As time went on, I kind of racked them up, so it shows a lot that Notre Dame was in there early,” said Williams earlier in his recruiting process. “Coach Del took the time to recruit me and wanted to learn who I was as a person. He wasn’t just holding a place. We still speak every week, so that’s great. Like I said, my parents are high-academic people and they praise me to get the best grades possible. Personally, I want to get a business degree and major in that. Notre Dame has a great business school. I feel like from a life standpoint, Notre Dame is one of the top offers you can get, as far as football as well. You’re getting best of both worlds. To me and my parents, me and my family, obviously it’s a ways out there, but we’d make that sacrifice and we’d just get adjusted to it just to get those benefits.”
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees did a really nice job with Williams, especially down the stretch in his recruitment. However, early on in the process and all the way until he announced his commitment, it was Alexander that is credited as the lead for the west coast standout. Williams and Alexander have had a great relationship since day one.
“Oh yeah, no doubt in my mind that we would get along perfectly,” said Williams of Alexander early in his recruiting process. “I like him because he’s straight-up. He’s a real dude. There’s not smoke and mirrors with him. He’s not trying to recruit me or anything like that, but rather just giving me the information and basically allowing me to make a decision for myself. Obviously there’s a bunch of great wide receivers out there, but to find that realness in someone that will develop you, not only as a player but a young man, that’s very unique.”
247Sports National Analyst Greg Biggins seems to like Williams a great deal, even comparing him to Keenan Allen of the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Smooth pass catcher who can line up at any of the receiver positions. Very athletic frame with plenty of room to add good weight and strength. Gets off the line well and shows the short area quickness to separate. Not a burner but runs well enough to be a deep threat and get behind a defense and can also make a play after the catch. Advanced route runner who is smart and understands how to set up a corner, when to settle in to a zone and doesn’t run himself out of being open. Natural pass catcher with good jump ball skills. Does a nice job winning 50-50 balls but can continue to improve strength and catching the ball through contact. Shows a nice upside and projects as a impact upper tier Power 5 starter and potential high round NFL draft pick.”
Likewise, 247Sports National Analyst Brandon Huffman has nothing but great things to say about Williams.
“Technically sound receiver who is a crisp route-runner with strength making it difficult to jam and press him. Strong hands with ability to grab the ball in any area. Shows great body control and can adjust to all throws. Competitive, wants the ball in his hands and wants to make plays. Can stretch the field and get separation. Optimal use in short and intermediate routes but can hit the home run. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter and as a first round NFL draft pick.”
As always, stay locked to Irish Illustrated for a ton of coverage around the newest Notre Dame commit this cycle.
