Defensive tackle Owen Williams, who played two years of junior college football in Kansas, committed to Tennessee on November 24th, just two days after taking an official visit to Knoxville. Vol defensive line coach Steve Stripling served as his recruiter. Williams’ pledge to play for the Vols came just one month after committing to Texas Tech. He joins six other defensive line commits in the 2014 class and is an early enrollee.

The Vols don’t return a starter along the defensive front and Williams will be expected to step in, add depth, and compete for a starting spot. Trevarris Saulsberry, Danny O’Brien, Greg Clark, and Jason Carr are notable returning defensive tackles, but they haven’t locked down a starting job by any stretch of the imagination.

At the very least, look for Williams to see early situational snaps this season. Butch Jones and Co. wouldn’t sign a junior college player like Williams if they didn’t think he had the chance to provide immediate help. Williams’ speed and motor suggest he’ll make an impact.

The Basics: Rated as a 3-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals, Williams is a 6-2, 285 pound defensive tackle from Macon, Georgia (Westside HS). He originally committed to Georgia Southern before opting to play two years of football at Butler Community College in Kansas. ESPN ranks him as the No. 41 overall JUCO prospect in the nation. He has two years of eligibility remaining. Williams led his team with 15.5 tackles for loss last season. He also posted 48 tackles and led the conference with seven sacks. In 2012, he recorded 49 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He chose the Vols over Texas Tech and Houston.

Scouting Reports: A high motor player who never gives up on the play, Williams relentlessly pursues the football. He has above average speed and quickness for his size.

“Adequate height and bulk and looks to have a thick sturdy build with adequate strength for size. When he fires out low and shoots his hands which he flashes he can do, can be tough to move off the ball with one blocker. Displays good enough lateral mobility to redirect and be active between tackles…Williams is a big man who looks to play hard and is at his best on the move. Needs to keep developing in areas, but active player in trenches who can offer quality depth and potentially contribute as starter.” – ESPN.com

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