Osseo OL Jerome Williams becomes second ’23 MN recruit to stay home

Feb. 2, 2021: On 2022 National Signing Day, 2023 (Osseo, MN) OL Jerome Williams announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota.

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Only two days after Kasson, Minn. OL Reese Tripp committed to the Gophers, the top offensive lineman in the state Jerome Williams opted to do the same. Playing for Osseo High School, Williams is rated as a 3-star prospect by 247sports and the No. 399 overall player in the country. The 6-foot-4-inch, 285 pound interior offensive lineman also held offers from West Virginia, Iowa State, Illinois and Kansas before ultimately choosing Minnesota. With Williams’ commitment the Golden Gophers have already signed two of the top four players from the state of Minnesota in the class of 2023.

Who is Jerome Williams?:

• Scouting Report:

Listed at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, Williams has the size of an interior offensive lineman and that is likely where he will end up for the Gophers. But his high school tape as a tackle proves that he has the versatility to play all five positions. He has all of the base tools you want from a Big Ten offensive lineman; size, athleticism and motor. Once he adds 20-30 more pounds and fine tunes his base skills, there is not reason why he cannot be a productive contributor for Minnesota in the trenches.

**High School Football Hudl Highlights: 

Instant Reaction:

P.J. Fleck and the Gophers’ brand has quickly become run-first football with a physically imposing offensive line and it would’ve be a tough look for a player of Williams’ credentials to sneak out of the state. Luckily, he did not, the Maroon & Gold have now signed the top two offensive lineman from the Land of 10,000 Lakes — making a statement to the surrounding Big Ten programs…cough…cough.. Wisconsin and Iowa.

Anyone who follows Minnesota high school football, knows that Williams is a monster. He is the classic hard-nosed offensive lineman, it would’ve been a crime for him to get out of the state. He didn’t hold an overwhelming amount of offers, but you could tell that more were coming if you watch him play. The only thing preventing him from starting the Big Ten down the road, will be himself. Getting him to commit early was a statement that Gophers football is here and it is here to day.

What is next?:

As for in-state 2023 recruits, the Gophers focus will now likely shift to top-100 DE/TE Jaxon Howard, who is the consensus top player in the state of Minnesota. Williams is No. 2 and and Moorehead defensive lineman Elinneus Davis is No. 3. Williams joining Tripp as two offensive lineman to already commit makes a statement to the rest of the top players in the state of Minnesota. Signing two top in-state players and two top-400 players overall is a terrific start to the Gophers 2023 class. I believe that this is only the beginning and the Golden Gophers are laying the foundation for a terrific 2023 recruiting class.

• WR Anthony Brown
• OL Reese Tripp
• OL Jerome Williams