re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

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Richard Todd was the one exception, but he was only the full time starter for about four seasons in his NFL career.

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Christian Williams headed to Tuscaloosa this weekend 

Christian Williams has been to three games at Bryant-Denny Stadium and three 7-on-7 camps over the past few years, but this will be his first actual visit to the school where he gets to check out everything Alabama has to offer him from academics to living accommodations to dining halls.

Williams, a 4-star cornerback from Daphne (Ala.) High School, is one of the team’s top defensive back targets in the 2019 class. Former Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was Williams’ primary recruiter, but defensive assistant coach Pete Golding has taken over the prospect’s recruitment. Williams said his relationship with Golding is growing and becoming stronger every week. He talks to Golding at least two times a week, he said.

Williams is looking forward to meeting Golding and defensive backs coach Karl Scott this weekend when he’s in town for the Tide’s junior day event.

“I know the coaching staff has changed a bit,” Williams told SEC Country. “I want to see how they are. I also want to see parts of the school that I haven’t seen yet, so everything other than the football facilities.

“I just want to look at how the coaches interact with the players and see their personalities. I want to see if they’re going to say one thing and then end up doing another thing. I also want to see how the players fit in and what they like about the college academically wise.”

The 6-foot-1, 177-pound prospect grew up an Alabama fan. At one point in his recruitment, the Tide led for Williams. He now says that all of the schools he’s considering are equal, even UAB, which has offered Williams as a wide receiver and cornerback.

You can tell that Williams is taking a very mature approach to his recruitment when asked if UAB has a serious chance at signing him when he has offers from schools such as Alabama, Auburn and LSU, to name a few.

“Even though it may be a smaller school and not many people may know about it, I know they have a bunch of great academic and athletic programs there,” Williams said. “I know football is just getting back up, too. Honestly, I treat all schools the same and give them the same opportunity. I don’t know which school I’m going to fit at yet. I don’t want to burn any bridges and who knows, maybe it’s the school for me.”

The nation’s No. 8 cornerback, according to 247Sports, said he’s not sure when he’ll end up making his college decision. He said it’s possible he just waits until National Signing Day next February or there’s a chance it could happen this summer. He’s just gathering as much info as possible on these schools because he said he just wants to commit to a school once and be done with the recruiting process.

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Croyle had as much or more arm talent as anybody to ever play for Alabama

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Keon Zipperer’s recruitment could go a number of ways, but Clemson and Florida seem to be the most likely landing spots for the versatile tight end. Oklahoma is also involved, but needs to get him on campus to be considered a real player. If that happens, all bets are off because Zipperer is aware of how well he fits the Sooners’ system. For now, however, the two regional powers seem to be smarter plays. Clemson’s stability is attractive, as Zipperer and other recruits are likely waiting to see what the start of the Dan Mullen Era holds before forming a solid opinion on the Gators.

The pick: Clemson

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Alabama staff moves that have been expected for a while are finally official.

The Crimson Tide announced several moves Thursday afternoon, including the promotion of Mike Locksley to offensive coordinator and Tosh Lupoi to defensive coordinator.

"We are excited to be able to promote from within to fill our offensive and defensive coordinators positions," coach Nick Saban said. "Both Tosh and Michael are tremendous football coaches who will do an excellent job leading their respective units."

It's also now official that Pete Golding will coach inside linebackers and serve as co-defensive coordinator. New wide receivers coach Josh Gattis will also be co-offensive coordinator.

Also announced were the hirings of Dan Enos as associate head coach and quarterbacks coach and Craig Kuligowski as associate head coach and defensive line coach.

The 49-year old Enos was Arkansas' offensive coordinator the last three seasons after five seasons as the head coach at Central Michigan.

"We are pleased and happy to have Dan Enos joining our coaching staff at the University of Alabama," Saban said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge with five years of head coaching experience and numerous stops as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Dan is a bright football mind and an outstanding recruiter who will strengthen our coaching staff and give our players the best chance to be successful."

Kuligowski has long been considered one of the nation's top defensive line coaches. The 49-year old spent the last two years at Miami after 15 seasons at Missouri, where he helped five players develop into NFL first-round draft picks. Kuligowski was an all-conference offensive tackle under Saban at Toledo in 1990.

"I have known Craig for a long time, going all the way back to my first head coaching job at Toledo when he was one of our starting offensive tackles," Saban said. "He is an outstanding football coach who will bring great energy to our program. Craig does a tremendous job of developing players and has proven to be an exceptional recruiter."

In addition, Joe Pannunzio will move from tight ends coach to running backs coach, taking over Burton Burns, who is moving into an off-field role.

Jeff Banks, who was hired in January, will coach tight ends while also serving as special teams coordinator.

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