5-star recruit and current Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver recently shared the pivotal moment that kept him from switching his commitment to the Auburn Tigers. Alabama and Auburn often compete for top high school recruits, especially local talent. Last year, both schools vied for one of the nation’s top 2024 prospects, Ryan Williams, a 17-year-old freshman from Saraland, Alabama, who reclassified from the 2023 class and now plays for Alabama. While still uncommitted, Williams visited Auburn during the Iron Bowl weekend when Alabama played at Auburn.
On the “New Wave Podcast,” Williams explained how Auburn’s coaching staff presented him with an ultimatum before the game, asking him to commit if Auburn won. “They said, ‘when we win, you’re going to commit at center field, and we’re rushing the field,'” Williams recounted. The game became a classic, with Auburn leading 24-20 and Alabama facing a 4th and goal from the 31-yard line with just 43 seconds left.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe then launched a game-winning touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond in the back corner of the end zone. Williams recalled his emotions in that tense moment. “It was 4th and 31, and I was literally shaking in my boots. If Auburn had stopped them, we were ready to rush the field. I was thinking, ‘Yeah, I’ll run out there, I’ll do it,'” he said. But deep down, Williams admitted he didn’t really want to storm the field if Auburn won. “Then Milroe threw it, and I was just in shock.”
Thanks to Alabama’s victory, Williams never had to make a public commitment to Auburn at center field.
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 committing to the University of Alabama, Ryan Williams visited Auburn five times, compared to just one visit to Alabama. Now, as a freshman for the Crimson Tide, Williams has made an immediate impact, recording 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns in just three games.
No. 4 Alabama has a bye in Week 4 and will face No. 2 Georgia on Saturday, September 28, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
