5-Star LB Justin Williams Focused on Three Schools
Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi are focused on building an SEC caliber defense in Eugene.
One player that is a major piece of the puzzle is 2024 Conroe (Tex.) Oak Ridge linebacker Justin Williams. The spring game saw him take his fifth visit with the Ducks and once again he came away impressed.
"(They) Showed that they care," Williams said. "This recruiting stuff, it's hard to tell who's genuine and everything. But you can tell that the Ducks are very genuine. Just the way they talk, the way that they treat you.
"They show a lot of love. But it's not just like regular love. It's like love that--they want you to be the best you can possibly be and want you to achieve your dreams at the same time."
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker was one of 45,000+ in a rocking Autzen Stadium that watched Dan Lanning's defense showcase their growth from a season ago.
"That boy coach Lanning got them boys hittin'," he said. "I thought the defense played extremely well. From last year to this year, they're not afraid of anything. I'm really excited to see where they go."
Aside from the main event, the five-star Texas standout enjoyed a number of other highlights during his time in Eugene, including a solid meal from legendary Oregon running back LaMichael James.
"I think my favorite part was just talking to the players. They're always so cool, just hanging around, chill, playing video games. And Killer Burger. Killer Burger go hard not gonna lie."
Williams has seen it all as a national recruit--reeling in 30+ offers and visiting schools from coast to coast. But he can tell Lanning and the Ducks are building something special.
"What stands out the most about Oregon is the potential that they have," he said. "A lot of teams are very good, but Coach Lanning, you don't know what that boy got coming next, so I think it's potential really."
Lanning could have the Ducks surging for Williams, who also spoke about what makes them different.
"Just the community really. The people. The facilities go crazy. What makes Oregon different is just that vibe you get when you touch down on the plane. You just stay locked in. You can feel your own way through life when you get out there."
After yet another trip to Oregon, what visits does he have coming up?
"Georgia. I'm going back to 'Bama and then that's really it. I go to Georgia on the 20th and I should be going back to 'Bama pretty soon, end of May."
His visits look like they're in lockstep with the schools he says are recruiting him the hardest: Oregon, Georgia and Alabama.
Williams had previously been getting close to a decision, but it sounds like one could be coming in late summer.
"I decided to wait before the end of summer to make my decision. Just based on giving myself time to think."
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