3-star edge Ashley Williams opens up recruitment
Ashley Williams, a 3-star edge from Zachary (La.) who committed to Auburn in August, has opened up his recruitment. According to our intel, he had a mutual parting of ways with the Tigers.
Williams is the No. 43 edge and No. 439 overall recruit nationally in the On3 Consensus.
When Hugh Freeze was hired as Auburn coach last week, the Tigers had 13 commitments. With Williams off the list, that number is down to 10. Four-star receiver Adam Hopkins and 3-star defensive tackle Jamarrion Harkless also have opened up their recruitments.
It is not yet known if the new Auburn regime will part with any more current commits.
Williams, listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, first pledged to Nebraska but backed off that pledge to commit to Auburn. But his Tigers position coach and lead recruiter, Roc Bellantoni, was not retained by Freeze.
While Williams was not necessarily viewed as someone likely to make an impact in Year 1 at Auburn, the former staff loved his upside.
This is Williams’ On3 scouting summary: State champion edge rusher for Zachary (LA) as a junior who wins with burst, bend and the ability to close on ball carriers. Stands in at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Lacks ideal NFL length off the edge. Body type is narrow and will struggle to add substantial weight for the next level but not impossible. Likely to end up at stand-up backer than a true defensive end. Explosive and plays with tremendous leverage. Plays very low to the ground and gets underneath offensive linemen with ease. Ran an electronically-timed 4.87 40-yard dash and 7.52 3-cone drill during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Jumped a 27-inch vertical and a 9-foot-6 broad jump during the same circuit. Has the athletic ability and bend to excel at the next level. His ability to maintain movement skills while attempting to add weight will determine his ceiling. Early impact player at the next level as a situational pass rusher with a chance for role expansion pending on physical growth.
