Lincoln Riley discusses Caleb Williams’ legacy as a Trojan

In 2021 as an Oklahoma Sooner and true freshman, Caleb Williams completed 64.5% of his passes for 1,912 yards and 21 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He also rushed 79 times for 442 yards and six touchdowns in eight starts.

Caleb Williams and his father, Carl, long ago developed a plan with the focus on making Caleb the No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, because it can mean as much as $20 million more in guaranteed salary compared to falling to 15th in the first round. Second NFL contracts for top QBs can approach half a billion dollars.

Williams’ legacy could be cemented alongside former Trojans Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer and Mark Sanchez, who all went in the first round of the NFL draft. Palmer went at No. 1 to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003.

Lincoln Riley told On3 Sports about the full package Williams possesses.

“Caleb has a great skill set. He does,” Riley said at Pac-12 Media Days. “That was pretty apparent the first time that I saw him. You get a lot of guys that are really athletic quarterbacks but maybe leave something to be desired with accuracy or arm talent, or vice versa.

“Caleb is one of the rare young guys that has elite ability with both. Then I think for those of you that maybe got a chance to be around him a little bit, he’s got a very magnetic personality. He’s a guy that can get in any scenario, any room, feel comfortable, get along with people, be very present, has a great way with people. I think you got the makings of a potentially great leader and a really great player.”

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Story originally appeared on Trojans Wire