LSU brings a pair of Alabama commitments on a visit

The LSU staff is busy hosting both official and unofficial visitors in Baton Rouge, and that includes a pair of Alabama commitments.

On Friday, Alabama natives and current Tide commitments Sterling Dixon and Ryan Williams both made their way to Baton Rouge for an unofficial visit, which continued into the day on Saturday.

Dixon has been a constant around the LSU campus since head coach Brian Kelly and the new staff took over more than a year ago, while Williams landed his offer just a few weeks ago.

Dixon back at LSU, once again

“I have been (to LSU) probably about eight times,” Dixon told On3’s Keith Neibuhr this week. Friday’s overnight stay would have makes visit No. 9.

Dixon committed to Alabama on December 1, but that hasn’t slowed LSU’s push to flip the Tide commitment.

In fact, the Tigers have only turned up the heat.

Just how badly does LSU and defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Matt House want Dixon in the program’s 2024 class?

When asked which school has recruited him the hardest, Dixon paused and reflected on his double-digit offer list.

“I would say LSU,” Dixon said. “They call me every day. Coach House is a great person. He is definitely genuine. I talk with him every day. I love how he uses Harold Perkins. I feel like he can develop me. I really appreciate him.”

While House has maintained daily contact with Dixon, the No. 8 linebacker prospect on On3 Sports said he’s also grown close with Perkins. And that’s included conversations beyond his trips to Baton Rouge for visits.

“He is definitely a quiet guy. He is humble,” Dixon said. “He tells me a lot about LSU. He said LSU has been good to (him). He said he can’t speak for everyone else, but said (LSU) would be the best decision to get on the field early and being utilized. He said I am just like (him), playing outside linebacker and can come down and play the edge.

“I talk with him often. Man, it’s a blessing. I appreciate him for taking the time to talk to me. I see him doing it, so it’s giving me hope.”

Dixon has not shut the door on his recruiting process, though he admits the Tide have made a big impression – and certainly enough of one to land his verbal pledge.

“95-percent,” Dixon said when asked about the strength of his Alabama pledge. “I really appreciate those guys for recruiting me.

“I am still keeping my recruiting open. It would definitely be super hard (to flip), but LSU is doing a great job, and Auburn is doing a great job. Those two programs I am definitely considering.”

Dixon, who said Auburn has joined LSU in reaching out daily, has locked in one official visits and has three others on tap.

“I have Alabama June 16-18,” Dixon said, adding that LSU, Auburn and Miami would also get official visits. “(Auburn) and LSU have been recruiting me pretty hard. They are definitely giving me something to think about.”

For Dixon, it’s about finding the right fit before he shuts things down for good – which could come soon into his senior season this fall.

“I’m an early-enrollee and sign in December,” he said. “(I would like to have a final decision by the) beginning of the season, those first four games. I just want to know what I am doing.”

What will be the key to landing the nation’s No. 103 overall prospect on the On3 rankings?

“Honestly, just me getting on the field as fast as possible,” he said. “It’s been a dream of mine to be a Freshman All-American. I want to go and see how I would be used, see the plan for me and look at the depth chart.”

Ryan Williams stops into Baton Rouge

Williams is ranked by On3 as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country for the 2025 recruiting cycle, checking in as the No. 3 overall prospect in the class.

Just a few weeks ago, LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton reached out to Williams with a verbal offer to join the program.

Now, Williams is on campus in Baton Rouge. He arrived for his unofficial visit on Friday.

While Williams has two more years of high school remaining, the Alabama native has been publicly adamant that he’s firm with his verbal commitment to the Tide.

“I am a hometown kid,” he told On3. “I don’t want to be anywhere else. I really appreciate all the love I receive there. Some may ask if I would still go there if Coach Saban wasn’t there. I love Alabama. That’s just where I want to be regardless if Coach Saban is there.”

Can the Tigers manage to chip away on Alabama’s firm commitment? That remains to be seen, but getting the five-star wideout to campus with a month of extending him an offer is certainly noteable.