Oregon looking for Carl Williams IV to be 'more talented' Jadon Canady
· Yahoo Sports
Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks have a strong track record of bringing in defensive backs from the transfer portal and turning them into early-round NFL draft picks. They did so early in Lanning's tenure with Christian Gonzalez and Khyree Jackson, and hit a two-fer last season with Dillon Thieneman and Jadon Canady.
Now, the Ducks are looking to replicate that success in 2026 with a relatively under-the-radar candidate: former Baylor Bears defensive back Carl Williams IV.
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Hampered by injury over the past two seasons, Williams has only played in 21 games throughout his three collegiate seasons. However, he has high upside and produced solid numbers in his only full season in 2023, posting 20 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Now in Eugene, the Ducks are looking for him to fill the Canady shoes at nickel, and pick up right where he left off.
"He's kind of like Jadon Canady," a source told CBS Sports in their latest breakout candidate article. "Might be a little bigger and a little more talented, but same player. Might go get drafted."
If Williams is going to have an impact in Eugene, he's going to have to earn it. There are myriad options in the Ducks' secondary, from returning players like Peyton Woodyard, Na'eem Offord, and Dorian Brew, to new additions like Aaron Scott Jr. or Davon Benjamin.
No matter who ends up starting at the nickel, though, the Ducks will be in fantastic hands if they can end up being even a fraction of what Canady was a year ago in Eugene.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks enter 2026 with high expectations for Carl Williams IV