Leon Williams attended Brooklyn Canarsie High School in Brooklyn, New York where he played both linebacker and tight end. As a junior, Williams caught 20 passes for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns. As a senior he totaled 98 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions. He was named the state’s “Gatorade Player of the Year” and was named to numerous all-American teams as well. He was considered by many to be the top prospect in the state of New York. Leon accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Miami where he sat out the 2001 season as a redshirt freshman. The following season Leon served primarily as a special teams player and backup middle linebacker. He finished the season with 14 total tackles. He once again served in a reserve role as a sophomore, totaling 22 tackles on the year. As a junior, Leon played in 10 games with 5 starts. He totaled 56 tackles, 2 ˝ sacks, and 2 forced fumbles on the season, despite missing time with an injured hand. Leon Williams had another solid season as a senior, finishing with 54 total tackles on the year.

Leon Williams has an excellent combination of size and athleticism for a linebacker. He is a versatile player with the ability to play in the middle or on the outside. His speed allows him to make plays all over the field as well as chase running backs down from behind in the backfield. Leon spent his first two seasons at Miami as a backup to Jonathan Vilma. He then had an injury plagued junior year so he lacks a great deal of experience and durability could be a cause for concern as well. He is still a bit raw. He lacks great instincts and needs to improve his technique. He also has proven to be ineffective in coverage and he has trouble shedding blockers. Leon Williams is a bit of a project and will take some time to develop; however, his size, athletic ability, and upside should warrant a second day selection in the 2006 NFL draft.