Leonard Williams

While Southern Cal has endured some relatively down years recently, it is rare that a true freshman walks in and makes a significant impact in the land of Troy, especially along the line of scrimmage. That is precisely what Williams did in 2012, however, after signing with USC out of Daytona Beach, FL. Operating at defensive tackle, Williams registered a 64 tackles, including 13.5 for loss and eight sacks, earning Defensive Freshman of the Year honors from the Pac-12. He was moved outside to end in 2013 and was even more productive, ranking second on the team with 74 tackles, while picking up another 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, despite being limited by a shoulder injury. Nicknamed the "Big Cat," Williams' flexibility, movement skills and point of attack strength are exactly what NFL teams covet in the trenches.

in our view

Regardless of where he lines up, the Daytona Beach, Fla., native has been a standout. His physical make-up is extremely impressive with his size, length and athleticism to line up at any position on the defensive line, inside or outside, and be effective.

strengths

An exceptional talent, boasting a rare combination of size, easy athleticism and raw power to go along with a passion for the game. Possesses a naturally large frame with broad shoulders, long limbs and a trim middle that makes it easy to see why the Trojans have rotated him all over the defensive line.

compares to

Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers - Williams is earning comparisons from scouts to everyone from McCoy to Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt for his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage while alternating between defensive tackle and defensive end.

impressive initial quickness, lateral agility, flexibility and balance to penetrate gaps and attack on stunts. very long arms, which allows him to keep blockers from latching on. shows good technique to chop away opponents when they are able to initially lock him up. locates the football quickly and has good speed for pursuit.

Displayed his passion for the game in toughing it out through an ankle injury for most of the 2014 season.

weaknesses

When the game comes as easily to a player as it appears to with Williams, it is easy to nit-pick technique and consistency. Williams, like most taller defensive tackles, struggles at times with leverage. He gets his hands into passing lanes but needs to show better awareness and hand-eye coordination to make those big mitts weapons.

His 2011 honors included Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Sporting News Top 125, Prep Star Top 150 Dream Team, ESPNU 150, Super Prep All-Dixie, Prep Star All-Southeast and Associated Press All-State Class 6A first team as a senior defensive lineman at Mainland High in Daytona Beach (Fla.). He had 103 tackles, including 19.5 for losses (with 10.5 sacks), in 2011. Current Trojan Quinton Powell also prepped at Mainland.

Some of his artwork was displayed at the 2013 and 2014 "Artletics" on-campus exhibits that featured the works of USC student-athletes.