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Caleb Williams noncommittal on declaring for 2024 NFL Draft

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Following a Heisman Trophy-winning 2022 campaign, USC quarterback Caleb Williams says he isn't focused on what his NFL future could be.

"It's a goal of mine to go No. 1, just like it was a goal of mine to win the Heisman Trophy," Williams said in an interview with PFF's Max Chadwick. "But I wouldn't say that I'm focused on either of those things. I don't even know if I'm declaring after this season because there are so many things in college that I haven't accomplished yet."

Williams posted astounding numbers in his first season with the Trojans after transferring from Oklahoma to reunite with head coach Lincoln Riley.

The 21-year-old passed for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns, and five interceptions with a 66.6% completion rate. He also added 382 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground.

The Trojans star passer went on to claim the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards based on an impressive 2022 campaign.

Williams said that he sees similarities between himself and reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.

"I'd say in some ways, yeah, we're similar," Williams said. "I'd say in other ways, I do things differently than him. Maybe I'm faster or stronger, and maybe he can throw farther. I watch guys like him and Aaron Rodgers and take things from them because when I get to that level, I'll possibly be better than they are."

Despite achieving individual success, Williams is targeting team success at the college level.

"I'm circling every game on our schedule," Williams said. "It bothers me a lot that I'm heading into my third season, and I haven't been to the playoff yet."

USC came close to earning a College Football Playoff berth but was defeated by Utah both in the regular season and Pac-12 title game, knocking it out of the playoff picture. The losses have only invigorated Williams further on a quest to return the Trojans to national prominence. He believes that winning will not only help his future draft stock but his teammates' as well.

"I want to get to the playoff and win a national championship. That's the reason why I play football; I don't care about the other stuff. I want to go out there, compete and dominate."

While Williams isn't solely focused on repeating as the Heisman Trophy winner, a feat only accomplished by Archie Griffin, he did tell the former Ohio State tailback that he would "see him in New York again."

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