The Trojans picked up a dynamic weapon Saturday. Former Oklahoma wide receiver Mario Williams announced he will reunite with former head coach Lincoln Riley and transfer to USC. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound pass catcher took to social media to share his decision:
Williams saw significant action as a true freshman in 2021 with 35 total catches (second on the team), tied for third with four touchdowns, and 380 yards. The former national wide receiver prospect was rated the No. 43 overall prospect and the No. 4 receiver in the 2021 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He was the No. 122 overall prospect and the No. 14 wide receiver in the 247Sports rankings. USC did offer him out of high school.
Fight on???#Committed pic.twitter.com/HTbBqoBz1f
— Lootrunner.mariooo (@MarioWill00) January 15, 2022
Williams was very close with star Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams, who entered the portal one day before Williams entered.
The Trojans are losing star receiver Drake London to the 2022 NFL Draft and could use some more wide receiver depth in the 2022 class. True freshman Joseph Manjack left the team via transfer and senior K.D. Nixon graduated from USC. But barring further transfer, the offense will see the return 2021 starters Gary Bryant Jr. and Tahj Washington. True freshman Michael Jackson III also earned playing time last season and could see a bigger role this coming season.
Riley has already added some transfer help in the form of Washington wide receiver Terrell Bynum and Kansas State defensive lineman Tyrone Taleni. The head coach also landed national four-star 2022 wide receiver C.J. Williams to the class during last Saturday’s All-American Bowl.
USC’s 2022 class is rated No. 59 in the nation and No. 8 in the Pac-12. The class holds commitments from Williams, five-star running back Raleek Brown, five-star cornerback Domani Jackson, four-star Las Vegas (NV) cornerback Fabian Ross, three-star edge rusher Devan Thompkins, three-star linebacker Garrison Madden, two-star kicker Atticus Bertrams, TCU defensive line transfer Earl Barquet, Virginia offensive tackle transfer Bobby Haskins and Bynum.
Mario Williams’ high school evaluation:
Smaller receiver but not slight framed. Has the build to be able to carry some additional weight in college and be sturdy and durable. Quick, twitchy athlete. More quick than fast but still fast enough. Doesn’t get caught from behind and flashes significant big play capability. Shows good lateral quickness and has the tools to beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Looks for more after the catch. Capable of making plays in contested situations down the field. Hands check out but catch radius is limited and he’s shown some inconsistencies finishing on catches outside his frame. Body quickness and size should steer him towards the slot where he’s a likely Power Five starter with mid to early round NFL Draft upside.
