Brent Pry’s first season as the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies has gotten off to an up and down start. Pry’s squad has managed wins against ACC foe Boston College and FCS opponent Wofford. The Hokies also suffered a stunning upset at the hands of Old Dominion to open the season, and a home loss to rival West Virginia in the Battle for the Black Diamond Trophy. Pry and his new staff are trying to rebuild after losing multiple players to the transfer portal before and after the previous staff was fired. In all their games, the Hokies’ offensive struggles have been at the forefront. Pry is trying to rebuild that unit and add talent to create the kind of offense he envisions. Help should be on the way in the 2023 recruiting class, and Alcoa product Lance Williams should help Pry solidify his offensive front.
Williams is a 6’4” and 310 pound offensive and defensive tackle for Alcoa, but he will make the move inside to guard when he gets to Blacksburg. While Williams is planning to play at guard for the Hokies, he does have the body type and quickness to potentially develop into and play some tackle for them if the need arises in the future. Playing both ways for the Tornadoes has also kept Williams in excellent condition. He works at left tackle on offense, protecting his quarterback’s blind side, and on defense is the man in the middle of the Alcoa defensive front. He consistently makes an impact on both sides of the ball for the entire game. That conditioning will make the transition to college ball, and a more up tempo offense, easier for Williams.
The primary reason Williams projects as a guy that could play inside or at the tackle spot is because of his quickness. He shows the ability to drop back in pass protection and extend the corner for pass rushers that he faces. Williams uses that speed to help him get to the second level on blocks as well, getting up to linebackers or defensive backs when leading runs and working well in space on screens. That ability to get outside and work comfortably in space stands out when watching Williams on film, but his short area quickness and body control, along with the nasty streak he plays with, are why he will start his career inside.
In a phone booth, Williams is absolutely a mauler. He plays with excellent pad level and has consistent hand placement. Williams consistently shows excellent leverage and uses it to push defenders where he wants them. Once Williams gets his hands on a defender, it is typically just a matter of the defender going for a ride. Inside at guard, there is little room for defenders to avoid Williams. His quickness will be a major asset when he is asked to pull at the next level as well. Williams plays with a physical streak to his game, and he thrives in situations that demand contact and struggle. Perhaps that is because Williams is also a State Champion Heavyweight Wrestler, and the strength, use of leverage, flexibility, and mental nature of that one-on-one sport translate well to interior offensive line play.
Virginia Tech is currently in the midst of a major rebuild, especially on their offense. Every coach will tell you, the most important group to have solidified in that situation is the offensive line. Getting the offensive line stable creates opportunities for the rest of the offense, while failing to do so likely cripples it. Lance Williams should be able to help the Hokies early. He has played for one of the best programs in Tennessee as a starter for four years, and has played against some quality opposition with success in that time. He has all the physical tools and the mental makeup to be part of the foundation of Virginia Tech’s rebuild.
