Javonte Williams

Williams, whose nickname is "Pookie," was successful on the gridiron (2,271 yards, 27 touchdowns, four straight state titles), on the track (won 2016 state title in 4x100 relay) and in the classroom (class valedictorian) at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. North Carolina coaches kept him in-state, and then provided some playing time his true freshman season (43 carries, 224 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, five TDs; eight receptions, 58 yards, 7.3 average). He started once in 13 appearances in 2019, rushing for 933 yards and five scores on 166 carries (5.6 per) while also catching 17 passes for 176 yards (10.4) and a TD. He and teammate Michael Carter formed the top running back duo in the country in 2020. Williams was named second-team Associated Press All-American and second-team All-ACC as a junior despite starting only once in 11 contests. He ranked third in the FBS with 19 rushing TDs, sixth with 1,140 rushing yards, and ninth by averaging 7.3 yards on his 157 carries. Williams also caught 25 passes for 305 yards (12.2 per) and three scores while fumbling only once during the year. The dynamic duo set an NCAA record against Miami, rushing for a total of 544 rushing yards between them (236 for Williams, 308 for Carter). Williams joined Carter and others in not suiting up for the team's bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. -- by Chad Reuter

Big, broad bully back who runs with an exciting blend of animosity and feel as a future every-down starter in the league. With just 366 carries under his collegiate belt, Williams hasn't seen much tread come off the tires, but teams might speculate that his running style could lead to some in-season wear and tear. He's a terror behind his pads, creating yardage by battering and discarding tackle attempts. He sees the front fairly well and has above-average hips and the creativity to add to his rush total with more than just power. He lacks run-away speed for the long touchdowns but runs with above-average vision and contact balance to succeed at a high rate near the goal line. He tends to trust the blocking scheme and keep his runs on track but can recalibrate when needed. Williams is best-suited to gap, power and inside zone rather than flowing wide, where he lacks one-cut quickness. He will drop passes from time to time but has the route-running and protection toughness to take over as a three-down RB1 fairly early in his career.