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Prized USC Commit Compared to Polarizing 2024 NFL Draft Selection

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 10:45 PM ET

The USC Trojans have one member of their top-ranked recruiting class competing in a prestigious event this week. Jonas Williams is off to the Elite 11 Finals -- which brings out some of the top quarterbacks in the nation for incoming seniors.

Williams is garnering lots of buzz for USC following his decision to flip from Oregon in February. One analyst, however, compared Williams' game to a polarizing NFL Draft selection of 2024.

The Illinois QB prospect reminds Andrew Ivins and 247Sports of Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints. The same Rattler who went from potential first round pick at Oklahoma, to fifth round draft find following his transfer to South Carolina. Rattler also delivered underwhelming results in limited QB duty last season for New Orleans.

It's a strong comparison for Williams. Rattler, though, delivered a stellar prep career in Scottsdale that lifted him to five-star status and the state of Arizona's top overall prospect for his class.

Ivins is a big fan of the dual-threat Williams' game despite the comparison. The national scout called Williams a "Quick-twitched trigger man with the accuracy and mobility to punish defenses." Ivins also likes his quick release and ability in the run-pass-option (RPO) element.

"Punctual getting the ball out from the top of his drops as he grounds his feet and drives himself towards the target. Snappy shoulders allow him to not only turn two in the RPO game, but also freeze defenders as he likes to play fake while working through his progressions," Ivins said.

Williams also enters his senior season with the chance to shatter state of Illinois passing records. But he's heading to Manhattan Beach, Ca., as one of the top QBs across the nation setting foot at Mira Costa High.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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