Louisville football: 5 prospects you need to know for 2021

Jaraye Williams – OLB

Seattle, WA, Three-star

I don’t have much of an idea of how legitimate Louisville’s pursuit and chances of landing three-star Jaraye Williams, but if we’re talking about recruits to watch I’d be foolish not to include him.

If you’re a frequent reader of the site, you probably read my piece a few weeks back on the Cards offering the son of former Louisville basketball star Terrence Williams, who just so happens to be the aforementioned three-star linebacker.

Considering Williams being from the Seattle area being able to beat out Pac 12 teams may be challenging for Scott Satterfield and the Cards. However, the roots of his father being in Louisville (in terms of college sports) and his excitement about the Cards offering makes this a very interesting recruitment.

Williams spoke to Brandon Huffman of 247 Sports shortly after receiving the offer from Louisville and talked about his Dad’s excitement and involvement.

"“Getting that offer from the college my dad went to really meant something special. It really means a lot to me and shows me I’m on the right path…. “I got the offer from Coach Dennison and he reminded me on how much I love Louisville. My dad was more excited than I was…I’m definitely going out there in March. As a kid, I went to Louisville to watch my dad play but those were the only times. So I can’t wait to go back.”"

Williams is a legit prospect who holds offers from USC, Nebraska, Boise State, Arizona State and others and should see even more come his way with a big summer. At 6’3, 197-pounds Williams has really nice size for the position and much like his dad possesses freakish-like natural athletic ability.

His size projects him to fit opposite of the CARD outside linebacker spot where players like Yasir Abdullah, Nick Okeke, and Boosie Whitlow played last season. He’ll primarily play as a pass-rusher, but his athleticism and versatility could allow a team like Louisville to play him as a third safety or a QB spy.

As a junior for Kennedy Catholic High School, Williams totaled 30 total tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Williams hinted he wants to get on campus, which would be a huge win for the Cards, but until then his recruitment is more fun to talk about than serious.

How much impact his Dad will have on his recruitment and just how willing he is to go to bat for his former school will be extremely interesting to watch as well. I’d love to see Williams play for Louisville like his father, especially wearing the no. 1 as a linebacker.