Jalen Williams Breaks Down Commitment to Nevada

Shadow Mountain’s Jalen Williams is one of the most versatile athletes in the state, playing on both offense and defense on football and being a part of the Matadors’ state championship basketball team.

On Wednesday, he declared that athleticism would be playing college football in Reno.

Williams, who held offers from multiple Power 5 schools including Arizona, Arizona State and Iowa State, committed to Jay Norell and the Nevada Wolfpack.

“What made me choose them was the way their defense plays. I mean they move players around to make plays and the connection between the coaches and players are good,” Williams said over text. “It was important to commit because I really liked the school, felt I fit more to the program.”

Williams had 80 catches for 1,369 yards and 18 touchdowns as well as 473 tackles, 43 tackles for loss and four interceptions in four varsity seasons. He said he plans to play defense with the Wolfpack, but “you never know” when it comes to playing on both sides of the ball.

“Jalen Williams’ junior film was one of my favorite films to watch as I evaluated players last year,” Sports360AZ recruiting expert Jason Jewell said. “He has length, is physical and is versatile. He’s a kid that could play on either side of the ball but I personally like him on defense. He could stay at safety but could potentially grow into an outside linebacker.”

Jalen Williams – A Normal Kid Who Happens to Be A Really Good Athlete

Nevada head coach Jay Norvell has ties to Arizona; he coached wide receivers at Arizona State and was integral in the Sun Devils’ recruiting efforts in 2016. He was able to earn commitments from Saguaro Sabercats Giovanni Miranda and Josiah Bradley, who, like Williams, held offers from multiple teams in the Pac-12 conference. 

Those Arizona ties played a big role with the newest Wolfpack commitment.

“I talked to most of the guys,” Williams said. “They welcomed me as if I was already a part of the Wolfpack family and that means a lot to me when I take a visit.”

Williams joins Chandler defensive back Avery Carrington as Nevada commits in Arizona this class.