Indiana Football: 3 early signees who will have instant impacts

Tom Allen, Indiana football. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
Tom Allen, Indiana football. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 14: Indiana Hoosiers cheerleaders perform during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 14: Indiana Hoosiers cheerleaders perform during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

1. Rashawn Williams (WR, Detroit)

What is currently the highest rated recruit in Indiana program history, the four-star wideout has the ability to be a game changer all throughout his career, but even more importantly, right away.

Despite Whop Philyor, Ty Fryfogle and Peyton Hendershot all expected to return, and all with more than 40 receptions this season, both Donavan Hale and Nick Westbrook will be gone, leaving room for Williams to step right in and contribute.

Williams won’t be the deep ball threat that Westbrook was, but will play more between the hashes and be a possession receiver for the Hoosiers. Because he doesn’t have traditional blow away speed, he uses his toughness and hands to his advantage.

One of the more physical receivers in the 2020 class, Williams uses that style of play to create a ton of separation off of the line of scrimmage and makes it very difficult for defensive backs to knock him off of his route.

Depending where Williams is lined up on most offensive possessions, he will be a matchup problem for the opponent across from him. With the expectation that he will be lined up in the slot, having either a safety or linebacker on him will allow him to fully take advantage of their lack of quickness, and his good first step.

Players like Davis Ellis and Miles Marshall showed potential this season, and will more than likely be contributors next year too, but Rashawn Williams will be a name that you will hear early and often as a big time player for whichever QB is under center for the Hoosiers.