A former 5-star recruit and current Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver opened up about the pivotal moment that kept him from switching his commitment to Auburn. Alabama and Auburn are long-time rivals, often competing for top high school prospects, especially those from Alabama. Last year, both schools were vying for Ryan Williams, one of the top 2024 recruits, who hails from Saraland, Alabama. At 17, Williams is now a freshman with the Crimson Tide, having reclassified from the 2023 class to 2024. While still undecided, he visited Auburn during the Iron Bowl weekend when Alabama was playing at Auburn. On the “New Wave Podcast,” Williams revealed that Auburn’s coaching staff issued him an ultimatum before the game, urging him to commit to the Tigers if they won.
“They were like, ‘when we win, you’re going to commit at center field, and we’ll storm the field,'” Williams recalled. The game itself was a thriller. With just 43 seconds remaining, Auburn was leading 24-20, and Alabama faced a 4th-and-goal from the 31-yard line. Alabama’s quarterback Jalen Milroe then delivered a game-winning touchdown to receiver Isaiah Bond in the corner of the end zone. Williams described his emotions during that tense moment.
“It’s 4th-and-31, and I was literally shaking,” Williams said. “If they had stopped them, we would’ve rushed the field. I’m back there thinking, ‘yeah, yeah, I’ll run to the field, I’ll do it.'” Despite being on an Auburn visit, Williams admitted he wasn’t actually eager to storm the field. “I didn’t want to do it,” he added. After Alabama’s dramatic victory, Williams didn’t have to follow through with the Auburn commitment.
Ryan Williams Tells INSANE Iron Bowl Story… 😱 @Ryanwms1 pic.twitter.com/4j4r2gOlgm
— New Wave Pod w/ Ryan Williams & Jaylan Mbakwe 🎙️ (@TheNewWaveShow) September 18, 2024
Before ultimately choosing to attend the University of Alabama, Ryan Williams visited Auburn five times, compared to just one visit to Alabama. Now, after only three games with the Crimson Tide, Williams has already made an impact, recording 10 receptions for 285 yards and scoring four touchdowns. No. 4 Alabama will enjoy a bye in Week 4 before facing No. 2 Georgia on Saturday, September 28, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
