The No. 9 overall recruit in the ESPN 300, Ryan Williams, a five-star wide receiver, decommitted from Alabama just two weeks ago. On Wednesday, he renewed his commitment to the Crimson Tide and its new coach, Kalen DeBoer.
Saraland, Alabama’s 6-foot-1, 175-pound wide receiver is ranked third in the class. On January 10, just hours after Nick Saban’s announcement of his retirement, he first disengaged.
Williams claimed to ESPN at the time that he was unaware of the famed coach’s impending departure until learning about it on social media. That was the catalyst for his decision to relaunch his recruiting while he awaited the announcement of Alabama’s new coach.
After DeBoer’s crew was put together, he began hiring Williams on January 12.
Williams’ decision to recommit to the Crimson Tide was finally solidified after he visited Alabama and Texas A&M. DeBoer and his staff have secured a significant victory, as they now have two five-star commits in the 2024 class in addition to No. 2 cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe.
DeBoer’s first few weeks have been turbulent; as a transfer to Ohio State, he lost 2024 five-star quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin was able to use the transfer site since he attended classes even though he had enrolled early at Alabama in the beginning of January.
Along with a few other transfers, the staff also lost freshman safety Caleb Downs to Ohio State, freshman left lineman Kadyn Proctor to Iowa, and cornerback Dezz Ricks to Texas A&M.
Additionally, DeBoer added quarterback Austin Mack, receiver Germie Bernard, and offensive lineman Parker Brailsford as transfers from Washington.
