The Recruiting Guy

Fort Smith Northside's Jaylin Williams commits to Arkansas

Jaylin Williams (23) of Fort Smith Northside looks to pass under pressure from Conway defenders Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at Kaundart Fieldhouse in Fort Smith.

Fort Smith Northside forward Jaylin Williams has committed to Arkansas.

Williams, 6-10, 235 pounds, chose the Hogs over Auburn. He also had scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, UConn, Illinois, Texas A&M, Iowa State and others.

ESPN rates him a 4-star recruit, the No. 12 center and No. 87 overall prospect in the nation for the 2020 class.

Williams averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while leading the Grizzlies to the Class 6A state championship as a junior.

He is Arkansas' third committed player in the 2020 class, along with shooting guard Moses Moody of Monteverde Academy in Florida, and Jacksonville guard Davonte Davis.

Davis has signed a binding national letter of intent with the Razorbacks. Williams and Davis played together on the 17-under Woodz Elite squad that played on the Nike EYBL circuit.

Woodz Elite coach and recruiter Antonio Buchanan said Williams’ skill set is suited well for Arkansas coach Eric Musselman’s style of play.

“Jaylin is very versatile,” Buchanan said. “Jaylin can go outside-in. He can defend from the 3 to the 5. He has a good outside touch. He can also be very dominant on the block. He fits what Coach Musselman is bringing to Arkansas.”

Buchanan likes Williams’ work ethic and character.

“They’re getting a player that wants to get better everyday,” Buchanan said. “He’s very coachable and is a very hard working kid. They’re getting a team guy.”

The Razorbacks also have a 2021 pledge from Duncan Powell of Desoto, Texas.