A.J. Williams, Wolverine
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| Cincinnati, OH tight end A.J. Williams |
Cincinnati tight end A.J. Williams committed to Michigan on Friday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Arkansas, Boston College, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia, among others. He’s a 3-star recruit and the #15 tight end to Scout, but he has not been ranked by Rivals, ESPN, or 247 Sports.
The 6’6″, 260-pounder lists a 4.9 forty, a 235 lb. bench press, a 415 lb. squat, and a 30-inch vertical leap. Some analysts have suggested that he could grow into an offensive tackle, and that’s not completely out of the question for a player his size. However, Michigan’s coaches currently intend for him to be a blocking tight end.
The high number of offers to tight ends in this class suggests that Michigan would like to take at least two players at the position, and the skill sets of those offers tell me that they would like at least one blocking tight end and one pass receiving threat at the position. Williams is the blocking variety and has stated that the coaches want to use him to pave the way at the point of attack. When he arrives on campus in 2012, the depth at tight end will consist of fifth year senior Brandon Moore and sophomore Chris Barnett.
Williams is the fifth player to commit to Michigan in the class of 2012. There are roughly 12 more spots to fill, although further attrition from Michigan’s current roster is likely.
There’s very little available film on Williams. The video below from Scouting Ohio offers some insight into his talents, but it’s too grainy and short to allow many conclusions.
TTB Rating: Incomplete, due to lack of film