Earlier this week, USC sophomore wide receiver Devon Williams, the nation’s No. 1 athlete in the class of 2018, entered the NCAA transfer portal and was reportedly set to take unofficial visits to both the Oregon State Beavers and Oregon Ducks this weekend.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound pass-catcher, out of Antelope Valley High School (Lancaster, California), was seen on the Oregon State sideline prior to kickoff of the Beavers’ home game against Cal Poly, and was expected to travel to Eugene for Oregon’s contest against Montana shortly thereafter.
However, Williams was not in attendance as of kickoff and is believed to be in Corvallis continuing his visit at Oregon State.
Analysis
It’s still too early in Williams’ recruitment — or even in his recruiting weekend — to speculate exactly what it means for his future.
However, it is clear that his trip to Oregon State was not a courtesy visit, and that the Beavers are, in fact, a player for the former bluechip recruit.
Oregon’s interest is indisputable given its scheduled visit with Williams, but his absence from Saturday night’s game against Montana is certainly noteworthy.
It’s fair to say Williams’ second recruitment will be something to monitor for both Duck and Beaver fans alike.
-- Andrew Nemec