MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia’s emphasis on restocking defensive linemen continued Tuesday with a 2018 commitment from Alex Williams of Pickerington, Ohio.
The Rivals three-star prospect, who committed to Iowa State as a sophomore, also holds offers from Akron, Western Michigan and Eastern Kentucky.
Currently 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, Williams could grow into an offensive tackle in college, though West Virginia projects him at defensive end, where his size and wingspan resembles 2009 signee Will Clarke (now entering his third year with the Cincinnati Bengals).
“I think he’ll start on the defensive line, but I kind of like him at offensive tackle,” said Rivals recruiting writer Keenan Cummings. “He has a great frame, he uses his long arms and he has quick hands.”
Along with making unofficial visits to Pitt, Indiana and Maryland, Williams returned to Morgantown during March for the Mountaineers’ junior day. He has been a target of WVU defensive line coach Bruce Tall, whose recruiting territory prioritizes Ohio.
Williams has taken such a low-key approach that many recruiting services did not realize he received a WVU offer last month.
“He’s kind of a throwback in that he doesn’t really get into recruiting,” Cummings said. “He’s not one of these guys that posts something on Twitter every time he gets an offer.”
Williams has been a part of two playoff teams at Pickerington North High, including 2016’s trip to the regional semifinal.
West Virginia’s commitments for 2018:
| James Gmiter (Bethel Park, Pa.) | 6-4, 300 | DT | 3 stars |
| Leddie Brown (Smyrna, Del.) | 6-1, 190 | RB | 3 stars |
| Mike O’Laughlin (Oak Park, Ill.) | 6-5, 215 | TE | 3 stars |
| Tyrese Allen (Paintsville, Ky.) | 6-3, 290 | DT | 3 stars |
| Alex Williams (Pickerington, Ohio) | 6-7, 250 | DT | 3 stars |