In a major recruiting victory, Missouri has secured the commitment of in-state five-star Williams Nwaneri. Nwaneri, regarded as the top defensive lineman in the class of 2024, chose the Tigers over Tennessee, Georgia, Oregon, and Oklahoma.
Hailing from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Nwaneri is the second-highest rated recruit ever to commit to the Tigers. Should he officially sign, head coach Eli Drinkwitz will have landed two of the program’s top three prospects in history.
Speaking about his decision, Nwaneri told 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, “Just really comfortability, relationships, really somewhere I feel I can go and prosper and be successful.”
Throughout the recruitment process, Oklahoma held the advantage for Nwaneri. However, Missouri was able to shift the momentum late and secure the commitment of the country’s third-ranked prospect, according to 247Sports.
With Nwaneri on board, Missouri’s recruiting class jumped from 60th to the 55th spot in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings. According to recruiting analyst Allen Trieu, Nwaneri, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, has the potential to excel in multiple positions in the future.
“Quickness off the ball and foot speed in pursuit were improved and those qualities of his are at a high national level. Used his hands better and when combined with his physical gifts, makes him very tough to block. Does not let offensive linemen get clean punches off on him and is able to turn himself and get skinny to help with that. Can shade inside or play on the EDGE and is going to be able to project to any defensive scheme. Based on his size, strongside end or 3-4 defensive end are where we project him although he is rare enough athlete that he can be edge pass-rusher at his size.”
Mizzou aiming for historic in-state recruitment
Nwaneri becomes the first top-ranked in-state prospect to commit to the Tigers since Drew Lock in 2015. Missouri now has a chance to secure the top two in-state prospects for the first time in the modern recruiting era.
The Tigers are currently in contention for five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo from Saint Louis, Missouri. Recruiting analyst Allen Trieu recently predicted that Wingo will choose Missouri.
Wingo took official visits to Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri in June, but his decision may be postponed until the early signing period as he schedules more visits in the fall. Missouri appears to have gained some momentum with Wingo, who would be their second five-star wide receiver in three years.
