While overshadowed by the success from star WR Sam Benson, Casey Williamson Casey Williamson 5'11" | 170 lbs | ATH South Hardin | 2027 State IA emerged as a formidable option for the Tigers’ passing game. Williamson finished with 623 receiving yards and 8 TDs while also topping Benson as the team’s leader in receptions last season with 53. Williamson was also dominant on the defense, recording 12 passes defended and 5 INTs at CB. In many ways, Williamson flashes many similar traits to that of Benson, proving to be a versatile and very explosive athlete, evident by his impressive 4.46 40 yard speed, Williamson is a dangerous player to get the ball out to in space, as he shows the capability of wringing out the most yards out of each play. His speed, vertical ability, and strong hands allows him to excel both as an inside and outside receiver. Williamson shows clear potential to stand out on either side of the ball, which should certainly be intriguing for recruiting teams.

We liked what we saw from Williamson during the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome last month. The junior played a key role in helping the Tigers post 10 wins, the most for the school since at least 2007, according to Bound. Williamson paced the team in receptions (53) and receiving yards (623), and ranked second on the squad with eight touchdown catches. Eighteen of his 21.0 tackles were of the solo variety with one resulting in lost yardage. He picked off five throws and was credited with 12 passes defended. Williamson’s 11th-grade highlight video features a versatile athlete with speed. South Hardin likes to take advantage of those assets on offense by getting him the ball in space. Defensively, which is where he probably fits best on the next level. Williamson flashes upside as a well-rounded defensive back capable of locking down in coverage or crashing down in run support.

I was impressed with Williamson’s sophomore film from 2024 and wrote about him back in the spring. It was valuable to scout him in person during the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome this fall. The performance confirmed what he showed on film, which is potential as a college prospect on both sides of the ball. In this game, he caught nine passes for 79 yards on a day when offense was hard to come by. He also contributed a pair of solo tackles. Williamson finished his junior campaign with a team-best 53 receptions for 623 yards and eight touchdowns. He totaled 21.0 tackles (18 solo, 1.0 TFL) with five interceptions. Williamson averaged 18.8 yards on 14 kick returns and 8.2 on 12 punt returns. He would be benefit from camping with colleges this coming spring and summer.

Williamson shows the potential to play receiver or defensive back at the next level depending on how he develops the next two seasons. His sophomore highlight video opens with him lined up out wide on offense. Williamson takes the top off for a 52-yard touchdown catch. The next clip has him in the slot. He takes a short pass in the flat and eludes defenders, jetting down the sideline on his way to the end zone. The rest of the tape is South Hardin lining him up around the formation and Williamson delivering big plays from all of them. When we arrive at the defensive clips, there’s a safety-type that’s physical against the run with actions to stick in coverage.