Chantz Williams Could See Major Playing Time As A True Freshman

With Gregory Rousseau deciding to opt out of the 2020 college football season, the Miami Hurricanes now look for someone who could become their #4 defensive end this year, and true freshman Chantz Williams may be that guy.

Coming out of Oakleaf High School, Williams was regarded as one of the top edge-rushers in the state of Florida for the 2020 recruiting cycle. Throughout his high school career, Williams collected 129 tackles, 25 TFLs and 22 sacks. Due to a forearm injury, Williams was limited to just 5 games his senior year, but still ended up with 35 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

Through the first week of fall camp, the Canes are looking for the defensive end who can be #4 on the depth chart, and Chantz is one of several names that could contend for that role. Redshirt freshman Cameron Williams, and true freshmen Elijah Roberts and Quentin Williams are all up for considerable playing time.

As of right now, I'd say the battle is going to be won by either Cameron or Chantz.

Chantz stood out on Sunday night during Miami’s first scrimmage, ending the night with 5 tackles and 2 sacks.

Williams has worked hard this offseason when it comes to putting on weight, and when the media talked with DL coach Todd Stroud last week, Chantz was one of the names that he brought up.

“We have Chantz Williams who went from 238 to 261 and settled back at 255, runs well and really rushes the passer,” Stroud told reporters.

Even with Rousseau gone, Miami is still very confident in their top two defensive ends in Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche. Redshirt freshman Jahfari Harvey is also expected to play often and contribute heavily.

In 2019, the Hurricanes had two DE’s play over 500 snaps, and two more who played over 350 snaps, so it’s clear that Miami uses a plethora of d-ends in their aggressive defense.

Although the original plan may have been to redshirt Williams, that may not be the case anymore in 2020, but that also may not be a bad thing either. Looking at pure pass-rushing abilities, Williams is an absolute freak, who will no doubt be a leader on the Miami defensive line at some point in his college career.

Just to give you an idea of what skills Willilams brings to defensive end, in high school he clocked a 4.56 40-yard dash time, and a 4.49 in the short shuttle. For someone at that position, those are ELITE numbers.

As fall camp continues, Williams development and progress will one of the biggest talking points for the Hurricanes.