Ryan Williams talks about reclassifying and commitment to Alabama

Williams has been thinking about reclassifying since the summer. Bama knew about his reclassification plans all the way back in August. He talked with Nick Saban on the phone on Sunday ahead of his big announcement.

“He was excited about it,” Williams said of Saban’s reaction. “Just to be able to get there six months earlier than I was supposed to be. That definitely makes a big difference to get in the program and get ready to do what I want to do in the future.”

Although he’s now eligible to take official visits, Williams has yet to set up any dates for next month.

“I will have some set soon. I know they will all be in January,” Williams said. “I’ve been talking with Alabama, Auburn, LSU, and Texas. I’m pretty sure I’ll get to all of them, honestly.”

The No. 3 wide receiver in the 2024 On300 went on to update his commitment status with Alabama following his reclassification.

“I’m locked in and still 100 [percent] with the Tide,” Williams said. “Especially with my 2024 guys… they’ve been my guys for a while and I’m excited to play with them.”

Just their consistency in continuing to recruit me very hard,” Williams said of why he’s locked in. “They never died down on the recruiting. That stands out because after someone gets you, they usually back off and feel like they’ve done their job. But they continue to recruit hard.”

His most recent conversation with Saban being Sunday, Williams (said that) that he is in weekly contact with Alabama’s head coach.

“I usually talk with him once or twice a week,” Williams said. “It definitely means a lot. I mean, he is the G.O.A.T. So, just to be able to be in this situation definitely means a lot.”

Definitely the consistency of the staff,” Williams said of what stood out on the fall visits. “Continuing to recruit me just like they’re trying to get me and not like I’m already committed. It’s always great being in Bryant-Denny, especially when we played in it. It was just amazing. I loved it.”

Bama’s success this season is “definitely a factor” for Williams

Bama hosted Williams for six visits in the fall. During his visit to Auburn on Oct. 21, Williams watched Alabama’s game against Tennessee, and cheered for the Tide during the Iron Bowl last month.

The No. 11 overall recruit in the nation is impressed with what he’s seen from Alabama thus far.

“Definitely the fact that they grew into an efficient offense throughout the year,” Williams said. “Coming into the year, they thought it was going to be a down year. They proved themselves and continued to grow throughout the year and made explosive plays on offense.”

Williams says he envisions the Crimson Tide winning against Michigan next month.

I definitely expect them to win,” Williams said. “I think our defense is playing lights out right now. The offense is going to make some explosive plays, so I definitely feel like we’re going to win.”

Alabama is the school he’s been committed to for over a year. Auburn, 6-6 on the season, is pushing hard for Williams.

How much is he factoring in the results of their two seasons?

“It’s definitely a factor,” Williams replied. “I like winning, so that definitely has something to do with it.”

Looking at the 2024 class that he’s now a part of, Williams expressed excitement with this group.

He’s ready to join a wide receivers freshman class that features Amari Jefferson and Rico Scott. Williams is also looking forward to teaming up with Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Julian Sayin.

“We definitely have a very explosive offense. I think we’ve got a combined 60 touchdowns, almost 70 [this year],” Williams said. “[Julian’s] accomplishments speaks volumes in and of itself. He is the Elite 11 champion. He has a great arm, and I’m just ready to catch passes from him.”

Williams also had the following to say when asked about his anticipation level for joining Bama.

Very excited,” Williams said. “Like I said, I’ve been talking with my future teammates in the 2024 class. And some guys on the team now, like [Isaiah Bond]. That’s my guy. Me and my guys in the 2024 class are ready to do work.”

The 6-foot, 165-pounder is also excited to bring even more speed to Bama’s wide receiver room.

“We’re all just excited to get Bama back to the receiver room that we’re used to,” Williams said. “Having them lambos fly around. Bringing the Ryde Outs. We have some pretty fast guys in the receiver room now that can get open. Definitely returning the Ryde Outs.”

Along with competing in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game, Williams will partake in the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando on Jan. 3.