By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

April 8, 2009

There is little guess work when it comes to the Penn State staff and Norfolk (Va.) Lake Taylor linebacker Travis Williams.  Williams has attended the Nittany Lions’ football camp every summer since he was in eighth grade so the Penn staff knows him well.

Williams plans to be back in State College this summer to attend Penn State’s camp one more time.  This time, however, Williams will arrive with a scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions in hand.

“I’ve got about six or seven offers that I know of,” Williams said.  “But my coaches said I have some more.  The ones I know I have are Louisville, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Penn State, West Virginia and Virginia Tech.”

• Check out ESPN's evaluation of Williams here. 

The 6-foot-2 and 195-pound Williams has been a varsity starter at outside linebacker since his freshman season.  He is a relentless pass rusher who recorded 20 sacks in his first year of high school football.

Williams had 22 sacks his sophomore season and 15 his junior year for a total of 57 sacks in three seasons.  Williams made 56 tackles during his junior season.

“The (college) coaches say I’ll play linebacker or strong safety (in college),” Williams said.

Williams has run the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds so he has the speed to move to the secondary at the next level.  But it would be tough to take Williams away from rushing the passer.

Williams, who is being recruited by Penn State linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden, has enjoyed his trips to State College.

“I like the area,” Williams said.  “The stadium is huge.  I like the fans.  The program is great.”

Williams said he is looking at all of the schools that have offered a scholarship.

“I don’t have a favorite,” he said.  “I’m going to take all of my official visits.  I want to announce a commitment at one of the all-star games.  I don’t know which one I’m going to play in.  I sent my film to the Under Armour (All-American) Game.”