Wisconsin Football Transfer Wide Receiver CJ Williams Has Star Potential

Madison, Wis. — CJ Williams is a name that Wisconsin football fans would be wise to start getting better acquainted with this offseason. 

Williams was a former five-star recruit from national powerhouse Mater Dei, where he received scholarship offers from Alabama, Texas, Notre Dame, Georgia, and about every other major program. In any case, he had his pick of the litter at the next level. 

Ultimately, he chose to attend USC and play for offensive guru Lincoln Riley. During his freshman season, he appeared in 11 games and recorded four receptions for 34 yards. However, he was in a crowded WR room full of high-end talent and decided to enter the portal and bet on himself. 

He eventually transferred to the University of Wisconsin this winter, seeing an opportunity to showcase his talents on the field and continue playing at the highest level under Luke Fickell in Phil Longo’s high-octane air raid offense.

“I think the city of Madison is very similar to the place I grew up, the Orange County area, minus the weather, obviously,” said Williams regarding his decision to join the Wisconsin football program. “But at the end of the day, it’s more of the fit as far as the players I’m around, the coaches, the football program, and then the culture…I think the biggest thing for me is I wanted to find somewhere where they believed in me as much as I believed in myself.”

Scouting Report 

On tape, CJ Williams has shown excellent speed and athleticism, with the ability to make plays in both the short and deep passing game. He has also displayed a willingness to go up and get the ball, making tough catches in traffic with a knack for finding the end zone.

His size (6-foot-2) and speed, reportedly a 4.48 40-yard dash time, give him the ideal tools to play on the boundary in any offense. He’s a natural hands catcher, runs crisp routes, tracks the ball well, and is an overall fluid athlete.

In Phil Longo’s system, he could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and a major weapon Wisconsin football can count on.

CJ Williams Quickly Rising on the Wisconsin Football Depth Chart

CJ Williams entered spring practice as one of the names fans and media alike were most interested in watching due to his high pedigree, and he didn’t disappoint.

During the early portion of spring practice, the former Under Armour All-American was working with the second-team offense behind last season’s starting trio of Chimere Dike, Skyler Bell, and Keontez Lewis.

However, he quickly showed his playmaking ability and impressive catch radius, making an impression on coaches and teammates alike. As a result, he was promoted to the first-team offense by the end of spring practice, opposite of Dike.

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— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 1, 2023

“He’s young and super talented, and he’s got confidence, and he works hard,” Wisconsin football senior wideout Chimere Dike said. “He backs it up. I love the edge he plays with.”

Williams repping with the first-team offense is an encouraging development because he has arguably the highest ceiling among Wisconsin football pass catchers and could develop into a true WR1 for the Badgers during his career.

At the risk of overhyping him, the 6-foot-2 sophomore’s tools he brings to the table are unlike anything Wisconsin has had in quite some time.

Final Thoughts on Wisconsin Football Transfer WR

Although CJ Williams is off to a terrific start for Wisconsin, there is still much to be proven on the field. The California native must continue developing his game and throwing himself into the playbook between now and fall camp to maintain his spot with the first-team offense.

That said, I believe Williams will be a key contributor in the passing game in 2023 despite the crowded WR room. And as Williams gains experience, he could become a go-to pass-catcher for Badgers quarterbacks because his talent and potential are undeniable.

With the right work ethic, coaching, and support, he could become one of the Wisconsin football greats at WR.

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