In-State WR Officially Puts Pen to Paper

Ladies and gentlemen, we got him.

One of the most influential recruits of Kalen DeBoer's early Alabama career has officially signed with the Crimson Tide, ending one of Alabama fans' most stressful few months.

Get our free mobile app

Few recruits have the same impact level Julio Jones did for Nick Saban. It can be a career-defining move for a new head coach. Joe Burrow had that impact for Ed Ogeron at LSU, and they won a national championship.

Following the retirement of Nick Saban, Alabama's recruiting and depth took a hit. In the immediate aftermath Ryan Williams, a five-star wide receiver from Saraland, de-committed from Alabama, Auburn was expected to be the favorite for the elite prospect; his dad played on the Plains.

Insert Kalen DeBoer.

Coach DeBoer had his work cut out for him. Williams planned several official visits to the Texas schools, LSU, and Auburn. Alabama was also on the schedule, but that was up in the air after the turnover of the Crimson Tide coaching staff.

All hope seemed lost for Alabama until Williams appeared in Tuscaloosa on a surprise unofficial visit on a Monday night in early January. He canceled his LSU visit the next day.

The following weekend, Williams was back in Tuscaloosa for an official visit, which reportedly went extremely well.

Shortly after that, Williams canceled his visit to Texas. It was down to an in-state battle between Alabama and Auburn.

The other shoe dropped just a day later. Williams re-committed to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday, January 24. Ironically, Alabama beat Auburn in Men's Basketball just a few hours later.

Alabama got its third win of the day over Auburn just after the clock hit all zeros in Coleman Coliseum. Williams announced he was shutting down his recruitment and would sign with Alabama on February 9.

Another gift for Crimson Tide fans, Williams moved up his signing to Wednesday, February 7. National Signing Day.

Kalen DeBoer officially gets this generation's Julio Jones. Williams can come in and make an immediate impact in Alabama's wide receiver room.

Alabama's wideout room took a hit with the loss of Jermaine Burton to the NFL draft and Isaiah Bond to Texas. Although, Alabama did pick up a commitment from former Washington Husky Germie Bernard.

Alabama's projected wide receivers are Kobe Prentice, Germie Bernard, Kendrick Law, and Jalen Hale. Prentice and Bernard are likely the top two receivers, with Hale as the next man in, and Law will likely continue to explore the gadget role that he was late in the season. Could Williams arrive on campus in the summer and start to get reps as the fourth wide receiver?

It's certainly possible. It would be a huge testament to Williams's talent level to miss Spring ball and still play early for Alabama next season.