The Alabama Crimson Tide had a 5-star wide receiver recruit slated to join as part of the 2025 recruiting class, but in a twist of events, he's reclassified that commitment and will now be part of the 2024 class.
The player? Saraland, Alabama native Ryan Williams.
BREAKING: 5?? #BAMA commit Ryan Williams will reclass to 2024
No. 1 WR explains decision + talks about OV plans ahead of February Signing Day
?It was about dominating at the HS level & knowing I?m ready for the next level?
?? https://t.co/lekkoqaFgJ pic.twitter.com/DbMZGDdk4s
— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) December 11, 2023
In a statement, Williams announced he would forego his senior season of high school and join the Alabama Crimson Tide.
"It was a big decision," he told 247Sports. "It hurts after losing the state title game. It was about dominating at the high school level and knowing I'm ready for the next level. That played a big part in it as did my family being behind me in all situations. They know I'm ready because I'm going to put the work in."
Williams is coming off a massive performance in the Class 6A State Championship game. He had 11 receptions for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 12-yard rushing score and an 86-yard return touchdown.
Williams' initial commitment came in 2022 saying, "Just the love they show," Williams told 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong. "I feel home when I'm here and I love the competitive nature here. Bama made me feel home automatically and there was no question this is where I wanted to be so we went ahead and made it happen. The home atmosphere is unreal the whole crowd is into it, makes the game more exciting."
Since his recruitment, Williams has been in Tuscaloosa for a few games this fall and has also visited Auburn three times since September, including the Iron Bowl.
"I still feel really good," Williams told Auburn Undercover about his commitment with Alabama. "They had a productive pass game, they had a good game offensively. But Auburn's defense came with their heads on fire and they had a great game defensively as well."
He was seen in Tuscaloosa on Saturday after winning the state championship game.
5?? commit Ryan Williams is still in Tuscaloosa taking some photos in the facility
???
? @Ryanwms1 pic.twitter.com/O1150AlRPc
— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) December 9, 2023
"I have to work," he told 247Sports. "I have to gain some weight and fill out my body so I can be prepared and ready for the SEC."
Williams does still plan to take his five official visits, which include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, and Texas.
"Home," Williams told 247Sports. "Just all the aspects of being at home. Being comfortable and somewhere I can grow. Basically finding a Saraland at the next level."
Gabe Brooks provided a scouting report of Williams, stating, "Electric playmaker with excellent top-end speed and make-you-miss elusiveness. Requisite height and length on a sinewy, wiry frame that will hold some more mass."
