Film Study: MSU commit Williams draws comparisons to Javon Patterson

Javon Patterson has stolen the spotlight.

At least, as far as far as offensive line prospects go.

Petal's blue-chip offensive guard is often the subject of message board chatter across the region. Where will he end up? Mississippi State? Ole Miss or Auburn?

The Dandy Dozen selection is coveted to say the least.

So was Darryl Williams.

More so in coaching staff meetings than on social media and recruiting websites.

Mississippi State landed a commitment from three-star offensive guard late Thursday night.

His name may not come with the glitz of Patterson's, but the two prospects share striking resemblances.

For one, they have The Opening in common.

Both were selected to compete in Nike's Elite, invite-only football combine. The event hosts the best prospects from around the nation.

In short, you practically have to be a blue-chip prospect to even be considered.

Williams is a blue-chipper. At least, not ranked so by recruiting services.

But his film suggests otherwise.

When watching, you can't help but notice how similar his play and skills are to Patterson.

The 6-foot-3, 304-pounder possesses a rare combination of size and speed - like Patterson.

Williams is strong, overpowering his assignments with force. He's quick, bursting into the second level to block linebackers in a blink of an eye.

Williams plays mostly tackle at Bessemer City (Alabama). He has active feet and hands that make it near impossible for even the most agile defensive end to beat him around the corner. Pass protection appears to be his biggest strength.

Unlike Patterson, Williams went into the summer as an unknown prospect.

He added offers from Florida State, Auburn, Mississippi State and Kentucky shortly after a breakout performance at Birmingham's NFTC event.

As a junior, Williams gave up one sack and racked up more than 30 pancake blocks. He plays with a nasty streak, finishing his blocks to the whistle - sometimes even a little past.

The point: Williams' commitment may come as a surprise to some. But MSU's coaching staff and fans alike certainly have something to be excited about.

Williams is the fourth offensive lineman in MSU's class, which was a major position of need heading into the year.

He adds much-needed help.

But where Williams will play in college is still in question. He is somewhat of a "tweener."

Mississippi State lands commitment from 3-star OG

He has the athleticism of a tackle, but at 6-foot-3 it appears his biggest upside will be at either guard or center at the next level.

247Sports ranks him as the nation's No. 9 guard prospect. Scout tabs him the No. 7 center.

In my opinion, guard seems the more likely option. His athleticism would bode well for pulling and kicking out defenders in open field. But his strength could be used at center, trying to dig out big-bodied nose tackles.

But Williams isn't perfect.

His biggest need for improvement is his pad level. Sometimes, he relies too heavily on his superior strength to overpower defenders and fires off the ball high.

Coaches use the term all the time: Low man wins. Many times, Williams is not the low man. But he gets away with it at the high school level.

However, that's coachable.

What's not is his elite size and athleticism.