One of the fastest rising 2024 prospects in New Jersey is dual-threat quarterback Maurice Williams Jr.
The Orange (NJ) High junior is already receiving attention from high-majors Notre Dame, Rutgers, Maryland and Boston College, among others, and Syracuse is also in contact. Williams will have an opportunity to see the Orange in person this Saturday when he will make the trip up to Central New York for Syracuse’s game against No. 25 Florida State.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the whole coaching staff and speaking to them, building the relationship needed in my recruiting process,” Williams said in an interview with The Juice Online. “Syracuse is a favorite in my recruitment as they were one of the first schools to reach out to me.”
Though Syracuse dropped its third game on Saturday to Pitt, the Orange is still bowl eligible for the first time since 2018 after winning its first six games. That’s caught the attention of Williams.
“I’m very fond of the program,” Williams said. “My family lives in Syracuse so it’s kind of a homecoming thing. I love the new success they had this season and the swag they bring to the game.”
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Williams is coming off a junior season where he led the Tornadoes to the fourth seed in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Group 4 regional invitational tournament.
Though Orange (NJ) High lost 27-20 to overall No. 1 seed Bergenfield, Williams shined, throwing for 161 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 67 yards on 11 carries.
“I had missed my first three games due to injury,” Williams said. “However, I had six games to showcase my talent.”
In just those six games, Williams threw for 1,405 yards through the air and 20 touchdowns, and also rushed for 501 yards and four scores.
“I’m a gifted thrower,” Williams said. “However, if the pocket collapses, and I need to use my legs, I could be just as effective.”
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