RB Javonte Williams, North Carolina
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 215
HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL): Teachey, NC (Wallace-Rose Hill)
247 RATING: .8344
STARS: 3
YEAR: Junior
POSITION RANK: 11
CAREER
Rushing: 209 rushes, 1,157 yards (5.5 ypc), 25 touchdowns
Receiving: 25 catches, 234 yards (9.4 ypc), 1 touchdown
2019
Rushing: 166 rushes, 933 yards (5.6 ypc), 5 touchdowns
Receiving: 17 catches, 176 yards (10.4 ypc), 1 touchdown
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Javonte Williams Breakdown
North Carolina’s backfield provides a perfect blend of power and speed, and Javonte Williams brings the former to that equation. The Tar Heels offense was a well balance machine in 2019, and the rushing attack almost produced two 1,000 yard rushers. Williams has to potential to become an NFL back, and already has the strength to get the attention of scouts.
At 215 pounds, Williams fills out his uniform and it becomes quickly obvious that power is a main staple in his game. While Michael Carter makes defenders miss with his quickness, Williams runs through them. They tend to bounce off of him with his solid base and great leg drive. He’s an aggressive runner who never shies away from contact, often running over would-be tacklers. Running between the tackles is where he thrives and, while he’s not the fastest player, he accelerates quickly to get to top speed and burst through holes created by his lineman. While he’ll have to share a backfield with Carter, he’ll be well rested when he sees the field. It limits his carries, but it also allows him to be effective when he runs the football.
With the number of hits he takes, durability could become an issue, but we saw an effort to take less hits and work on his ability to make defenders miss. His game will always center around his power, but he can make a long term investment by avoiding hits at times. His ability to create room to run without contact will make him a better runner.
Williams burst onto the scene last year, and gives North Carolina a great power back with a little speed. He’ll need to work and pass blocking more too, but that would also put him on the field more. He’s a strong player, and has great potential with a bright future.
