In one of the biggest recruiting wins in program history, Wisconsin and head coach Luke Fickel landed USC wide receiver transfer CJ Williams.
A former top 100 recruit, Williams picked the Trojans over Notre Dame, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, UCLA, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, LSU, Florida State, Penn State, Florida and others when he was out of Mater Dei High came to school in California. Williams was the nation’s seventh wide receiver in the class of 2022, according to 247sports.
According to 247sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, Williams is a likely 2nd or 3rd round NFL draft pick, drawing comparisons to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen:
“Smooth pass catcher that can line up at any of the receiver positions. Strong frame with plenty of room to add good weight and strength. Comes off the line well and shows quickness of the short range to separate. No burner but works.” good enough and has improved his long speed over the past year Intermediate route runner, very sophisticated Clever and understands how to set up a turn, when to settle into a zone and doesn’t back out from the open Natural pass catcher with good traits jump ball skills .Does a good job of winning 50-50 balls and catching the ball well through contact A willing blocker, great teammate and tremendous work ethic off the field Projects as an influential major league Power 5 starter and potential high round NFL Draft.”
A true freshman, Williams caught four passes for 34 yards for USC while playing in 10 games. The Badgers beat Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, West Virginia and others after Williams entered the transfer portal.
UW received Williams for an official visit last weekend.
“I flew into Wisconsin Friday night and stayed there all Saturday,” Williams told 247sports. “I really like Coach Fickell, he actually reminds me a lot of my HS coach, Coach Rollinson at Mater Dei. He does things the right way and he commands respect for his demeanor and demeanor.
“Coach Longo (Phil Longo) is the OC and I really like his attacking style. He can get the ball across the field and this offensive is very fascinating for me. It was cold, I won’t lie, but I loved the city of Madison, the fan base is amazing, very supportive, and I even got stopped on the street a few times by people who knew who I was and encouraged me to go to Wisconsin.”
According to 247sports composite rankings, Williams is the highest-ranked wide receiver recruit for UW in program history during the internet rankings era, surpassing Kraig Appleton in the 2009 vintage.
Williams is the 12th signing from the transfer portal for the Badgers, joining wide receiver Quincy Burroughs (Cincinnati), Jason Maitre (Boston College), wide receiver Will Pauling (Cincinnati), quarterback Nick Evers (Oklahoma), quarterback Bradyn Locke (Mississippi state), center Jake Renfro (Cincinnati), offensive lineman Jo Huber (Cincinnati) Edge rusher Jeff Pietrowski (Michigan State), quarterback Tanner Mordecai (SMU), kicker Nathanial Vakos (Ohio) and defensive end Darian Varner (Temple).
Williams has three more years of eligibility to play.
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