Auburn signees react to news of 5-star WR Ryan Williams' decommitment from Alabama

Saraland (Ala.) Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Ryan Williams decommitted from Alabama on Wednesday night after having been pledged to the Tide since Oct. 8, 2022.

Williams recently reclassified to 2024 in December. And even prior to Nick Saban announcing his retirement on Wednesday, the nation’s No. 3 wide receiver was planning to visit other schools before signing on February 9.

One of those programs is Auburn, which has made Williams a top flip target since Hugh Freeze took over last year. Auburn is set to receive Williams’ final official visit later this month, and after he announced his decommitment, multiiple Auburn signees took to Twitter to express their excitement about the news.

Among them was fellow Five-Star Plus+ signee Cam Coleman, who referenced the nickname given to Auburn’s wide receiver class “The Freeze 5.” That includes Coleman, five-star Perry Thompson, and four-stars Bryce Cain and Malcolm Simmons. The fifth in that quintet would of course be Williams, who is also considered Texas A&M and Texas.

Freeze 5🥶 INDEED🆔 https://t.co/Y9PY9BFROi

— Cameron Coleman (@CamColeman12) January 10, 2024

The 6-foot-0, 155-pound wide out is the No. 12 overall prospect and No. 3 wide receiver in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Alabama.

In addition to Coleman, Auburn four-star EDGE signee Jamonta Waller also chimed in.

“We tried to tell y’all we wasn’t done,” he wrote.

We tried to tell y’all we wasn’t done😎😏

— JamontaWALLER (@JamontaWaller) January 10, 2024

Ryan Williams Scouting Summary

The following is an On3 scouting report of Ryan Williams:

“The most productive and athletic wide receiver in high school football as a sophomore. Turned in an utterly dominant season in 2022. Measured around 6-foot, 160 pounds in the spring following his sophomore season. One of the fastest wideouts in the nation, regardless of class. Posted a scintillating 10.49 second 100-meter time early on in his sophomore track season. A legitimate state title contender in four track events – the 100, 200, 400 meters and high jump. Shows the ability to harness his elite speed on the football field. A big-time deep threat who easily runs past defensive backs. Has high-end change of direction and breaks off cornerbacks with agility within his routes.

Caught 88 passes for 1,641 yards and 24 touchdowns, ran for 700 yards and 15 touchdowns on 57 rushes (12.3 yards per carry), returned two punts for touchdowns and passed for a score while leading his high school to a state title as a sophomore. Was named Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year following the historic season. Was the On3 MVP at Under Armour’s Atlanta camp prior to his junior season. Looks like one of the top pass-catchers in high school football regardless of class and is the top wide receiver prospect from Alabama since Henry Ruggs III. Will need to continue adding strength and mass to his slender frame.”