Five-Star Plus+ WR rejoins Alabama's 2024 class
For many, the first big test in Kalen DeBoer‘s tenure as Alabama’s next head football coach was the recruitment of Ryan Williams.
It’s safe to say that this test was passed with flying colors.
On Wednesday, the Saraland (Ala.) wide receiver announced his recommitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Williams previously committed to Bama on Oct. 8, 2022, but opened up his recruitment following Nick Saban‘s retirement.
National Analysis: Alabama WR commit Ryan Williams primed to make a ton of plays (On3+)
Coach’s Take: Ryan Williams is a perfect fit for Alabama’s new offense (On3+)
Williams is the highest-rated unsigned prospect in the Class of 2024. After reclassifying last month and not inking his National Letter of Intent during the Early Signing Period, the Five-Star Plus+ recruit is expected to sign on Feb. 9, which is his birthday.
This commitment was announced after a successful weekend official visit to Alabama.
“He enjoyed the visit,” Williams’ position coach, Daniel Tigg Taylor, told BOL this week. “He really, really likes Coach DeBoer. Seems like a down-to-earth guy to Ryan. But the guy who caught Ryan’s eye was Coach [Ryan] Grubb. He said that conversation went really, really well. He said that Coach Grubb showed him the blueprint of how he would use Ryan, like those two other guys he had at Washington.”
Williams also spoke with AL.com about his official visit to Alabama, and had high praise for DeBoer and Grubb.
“How down to earth he is, how calm and comfortable with himself he is, just like everybody else says,” Williams said of his observations of DeBoer. “Exactly what you see is what you get.”
“Definitely had a strong impression on him,” Williams said of Grubb. “Just meeting him and he was just telling me how I’d fit into the offense and how easy it’ll be just carrying over what I do now to the next level.”
Even when Saban was still coaching, Williams was viewed as one of the most important gets for Alabama in recent memory.
At the high school level, Williams had a sensational two years as a starter. Williams recorded over 4,700 all-purpose yards and 72 total touchdowns playing in 6A football in the state of Alabama. In his final game with Saraland last month, Williams had 11 catches for 232 yards and four total touchdowns in a state title game matchup with Clay-Chalkville.
Williams’ commitment should calm some nerves about the new Alabama’s staff’s ability to recruit in the state. Despite a new head coach and position coach for Williams, the program was able to beat out Auburn for a prized in-state target.
In his conversation with AL.com, Williams says he viewed DeBoer as the right man for the job following Saban’s retirement.
“Definitely, I’m not sure there could’ve been much of a better fit,” Williams said. “Just with everybody being at their schools now, I think he was the best fit for Alabama, especially with the system that he’s bringing, for the receiver position, it’ll be a good fit for him.”
According to the 2024 On3 Industry Rankings, Ryan Williams is the No. 5 overall prospect in this class. He’s also labeled as the No. 3 wide receiver, and the second-ranked 2024 prospect in the state of Alabama.
Want to talk with the BOL staff and also thousands of other Alabama fans about Nick Saban’s retirement? CLICK HERE to join daily conversations about the Crimson Tide and much more on the BOL RoundTable!
Not a member, Alabama fans? Celebrate Ryan Williams’ recommitment by joining BOL today!
Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up for ONE MONTH of premium access to our Alabama coverage for just $9.99! Be able to read all of BOL’s premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting. Also join thousands of other Crimson Tide fans around the globe on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!
