Four-star offensive tackle Williams Barnes is one of the most talented blockers in the class of 2018. He’ll play his college football at UNC, he announced on National Signing Day.
4-star offensive tackle William Barnes commits to North Carolina on National Signing Day
The Tar Heels just picked up a blue-chip blocker for 2018.
Student Sports
The 6’4, 312-pound blocker is the No. 53 overall recruit and No. 5 offensive tackle in the class of 2018, per the 247Sports Composite. The four-star offensive lineman from Apopka, Fla., chose the Tar Heels over scholarship offers from Oregon, LSU, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, and Alabama.
What’s special about William Barnes?
Barnes is a nasty run blocker with the size and athleticism to handle duty at any position at the next level. At 6’5 and 310+ pounds, he’s already got tremendous bulk for a high school lineman, and a college lifting regimen will only serve to make him bigger, stronger, and meaner. Though he’s not fast by any stretch — few men his size are — he’s got quick enough feet to handle edge rushers and keep pockets intact.
While he’s solid against the pass rush, his highlight film shows a player who brings tremendous value to the ground game. Barnes attacks defenders off the snap with a solid drive that clears space and can get into the second level to polish off linebackers effectively. He’s got a mean streak in space, finishing off his blocks with an affinity for pancakes.
The downsize is he’s still a bit raw as a player. His new coaching staff will have to grind down those rough edges to shape him into a more disciplined offensive lineman who stays low, keeps his shoulders over his feet, and sinks back efficiently into pass protection.
