A former 5-star recruit and current Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver recently opened up about the pivotal moment that stopped him from flipping his commitment to Auburn. Alabama and Auburn often find themselves battling for the same in-state talent, and last year, both schools fiercely competed for one of the nation’s top 2024 recruits, Ryan Williams.
Hailing from Saraland, Alabama, the 17-year-old Williams, now a freshman for Alabama, had reclassified from the 2023 class to 2024. During his recruitment, he made multiple visits to Auburn, including one unofficial visit during the Iron Bowl when Alabama came to town. In a conversation on the “New Wave Podcast,” Williams shared that Auburn’s coaching staff had given him an ultimatum before the game, pushing him to commit to the Tigers that day.
“Before the game, they were like, ‘When we win, you’re going to commit at center field, and we’re rushing the field,’” Williams recalled.
The game turned out to be a classic. With Auburn leading 24-20 and 43 seconds left, Alabama faced a 4th-and-goal from the 31-yard line. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe launched a game-winning touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond in the corner of the end zone, sealing the victory for Alabama.
Williams described his anxiety during that moment. “Man, it’s 4th and 31, and I was shaking in my boots,” he said. “If they would have stopped them, we would’ve rushed the field right then. I’m back there like, ‘Come on, please!’ I was entertained, telling myself, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’m going to run to the field. I’m going to do it.’”
Despite his enthusiasm, Williams admitted he didn’t actually want to rush the field if Auburn had won. “I didn’t want to do it. Next thing you knew, he threw it. I was like—” Williams paused, mimicking his shock as Alabama snatched victory.
https://x.com/TheNewWaveShow/status/1836527437049381012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1836527437049381012%7Ctwgr%5Ec884523b900d0277e964b6d809a0901bf0d4ba96%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fcollege%2Falabama-crimson-tide%2Falabama-crimson-tide-ryan-williams-moment-prevent-him-flipping-auburn-tigers
In the end, Williams didn’t have to make that center-field commitment to Auburn. Instead, he chose Alabama, despite making five visits to Auburn compared to just one to Alabama. So far, he’s been a standout in his freshman year, racking up 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns in just three games.
No. 4 Alabama will take a break in Week 4 before hosting No. 2 Georgia on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Leave a Reply