Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski 'couldn't be happier' with this rising star
Fall camp has arrived in Austin, Tex., for the Texas Longhorns. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski met with the media to talk about everything from special teams requirements for youngsters to what he thinks Anthony Hill, Jr., can improve on. He also touched on one of his promising youngsters and how well he as acclimated thus […]
Fall camp has arrived in Austin, Tex., for the Texas Longhorns. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski met with the media to talk about everything from special teams requirements for youngsters to what he thinks Anthony Hill, Jr., can improve on.
He also touched on one of his promising youngsters and how well he as acclimated thus far. Former five-star athlete Jonah Williams arrived on campus with a ton of expectations. In more ways than one. The two-sport star made an impact on the baseball diamond. But, now he's keen on breaking into the two-deep for the Texas football team. And according to Kwiatkowski, he's off to a good start.
“He’s smart. Very athletic and talented. His mental acuity is really good. He picks it up. Couldn’t be happier with him.”
At 6-foot-3, 213 pounds Jonah Williams already has an SEC-ready frame.
He's also already gotten the attention of All-American safety Michael Taaffe.
"It's really cool to see his learning progression."
The former Ball (Tex.) standout was rated as the No. 1 safety in the country by 247Sports after being tabbed as the overall MVP of District 9-5A as a senior. In just eight games, Williams managed to log 29 tackles, two interceptions, 206 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, 259 receiving yards and sic more scores.
Orangebloods' Zachary Symm calls him the "consummate competitor that brings a ton of energy and desire to be great". 247Sports national analyst Hudson Standish pegged Williams as "one of the freakiest athletes in the 2025 recruiting cycle" and went on to say he has a legitimate shot to be taken in both the MLB and NFL Draft.
"Currently projected to play linebacker long-term, but owns an elite combine testing profile which could allow him to stick in the defensive backfield at safety or nickel," Standish said. "A modern defensive chess piece who can move all around the defense while retaining effectiveness against a wide range of offensive schemes and play styles."
A few scouts have likened Jonah Williams' game to NFL standouts Kyle Hamilton and Isaiah Simmons.
Ball High School athletic director Jerald Temple has been around the athletic programs for a while. The Tornadoes boast 27 NFL alums – including Mike Evans, Zyon McCollum, Tristin McCollum, Casey Hampton, Eric Hill, and Kimble Anders. But, he thinks Williams is different and has a real shot at making an impact this season for Texas.
"Jonah ranks near the top of the best athletes this city has ever produced," Temple said. "I grew up here and played with a lot of guys who made it to the highest levels, but Jonah's versatility sets him apart. He does everything well. Not to take anything from those guys, but he might be on his own level by the time he's done."
For now, Kwiatkowski just wants him on his preferred level by August 30 when the Longhorns open up the 2025 season with the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. The rest? It seems like Jonah Williams can take it from there.
