Head coach of Alabama, Kyle DeBoer, has formally established himself and dispelled suspicions that he won’t be visiting the South to recruit. Ryan Williams, a five-star receiver from Saraland (Ala.) High, declared his commitment to Alabama on Wednesday afternoon.

After Nick Saban declared his retirement, the No. 3 receiver and No. 8 prospect in the nation decided to renew his recruitment with the Crimson Tide, having committed to the team for almost a year.

“It has to do with coach Saban’s departure and the receivers coach (Holmon Wiggins),” Williams explained the choice to AL.com’s Ben Thomas. Naturally, it’s a difficult choice. Even if I truly don’t want to, I have to consider my options and wait until February 9 to find out what happens.

Williams met with DeBoer for the first time last week on an unofficial visit. Along with hanging out with his good friend and early enrollee Jaylen Mbakwe, he spent time with members of the staff.A few days later, during the weekend, he made his formal visit return. Williams said to AL.com that he had a terrific time and thinks Tuscaloosa has the correct coaching staff.

With the system he’s bringing, in particular, [DeBoer is] the best fit for Alabama, according to Williams. It’s doubtful that a better fit could have been found. It would be an excellent match at receiver.”

“[DeBoer stood out with] just how down to Earth he is and how calm and comfortable he is with himself,” Williams wrote on AL.com. “With him, you get just what you see. I certainly felt strongly about him. He was merely explaining to me how easily I could integrate into the offensive and take what I already do to the next level.”

 

Williams joins former Washington quarterback Austin Mack, former Washington center Parker Brailsford, and former Washington receiver Germie Bernard as the fourth DeBoer era commitment in Tuscaloosa.

This is a significant victory for DeBoer and his team, and it comes early in the hiring process. Maintaining the current squad was his top concern when he took over the Crimson Tide team. The second most important thing was to get a commitment from Williams, who has been regarded as one of the best high school players since he was a sophomore.

On January 23, two days following his visit to Tuscaloosa, Williams announced the cancellation of his formal travel to Texas on January 27. Bama247 is trying to find out if he still intends to visit Auburn on February 3 and announce his college decision on Feb. 9, his birthday, at Saraland High School. Per NCAA rules, Williams cannot sign until Feb. 7. for an official visit.

Touchdown Alabama on X: "BREAKING: Alabama 5-Star WR commit Ryan Williams has reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class. Williams gives the Crimson Tide 21 2024 commits. https://t.co/MDACKaT9yd" / X

The decision was made a year ahead of schedule. In December, the eighth-ranked player in the country declared that he would be switching from the 2025 class to the 2024 class. Despite months of widespread rumors, he decided to hold off on making an official announcement until after his junior season ended.

The choice was significant, as he had previously told 247Sports. “After losing the state championship game, it hurts. It was about knowing I was prepared for the next level and about winning at the high school level. That and my family’s unwavering support for me in every circumstance were major factors. They can tell I’m prepared since I’ll put in the effort.

Williams’s arrival is a major plus for Alabama supporters and the wide receiver room, which has suffered a few losses.

Williams, Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice, Jalien Hale, Germie Bernard, Emmanuel Henderson, Jaren Hamilton, Cole Adams, Amari Jefferson, Aeryn Hampton, and Rico Scott are the current receivers in the room (11).

Williams is being reached out to by Bama247 in an effort to get more of his opinions on the choice.