Alabama Football Recruiting: Why 5-Star WR Ryan Williams Is the main recruit to focus on now

It is not every day a team loses its best head coach ever, let alone college football as a whole. With that being said, it's certainly not every day college football witnesses a Nick Saban. Welcome to the new world of Alabama Football, where former Washington Huskies head coach Kalen Deboer takes over.

The same can potentially said for 2024 WR 5-star recruit, Ryan Williams. Some have called him potentially generational, others once in a lifetime recruit. The #4 rated receiver in the 2024 class possesses realistically everything you want in a receiver, including size, speed, twitch, vision, and versatility. Drawing comparisons to former Heisman winner DeVonta Smith, you can imagine why every school is drooling over Williams.

Even before Saban retired, there were talks that Ryan Williams was strongly considering Auburn going into the last month of the 2024 cycle. Williams continually said "Roll Tide", as well as a variety of other Crimson Tide chants, but Saban leaving the coaching reigns has taken Williams' recruitment to another level. Recent Alabama WR coach Holmon Wiggins just left to go to Texas A&M and is currently on a visit with Williams in College Station.

If Alabama wants a chance to continue its heralded tradition of top 3 recruiting classes, top receivers, and those called the "dynasty", Williams plays a big factor. Why? The obvious--Tradition, reputation, and the gold standard of putting high-quality receivers in the NFL.

The great news for Alabama fans, is Kalen DeBoer is experienced in this line of work, as Washington fielded receiver Rome Odunze, who just declared for the NFL Draft, and had over 1,600 receiving yards this past season alone. Not only him but Sophomore receiver Ja'Lynn Polk had over 1100 receiving yards, as well as 9 touchdowns. New Crimson Tide Head Coach has a solid idea of how to get his receivers the ball.

Some might ask, "Why does this one guy matter so much?". Continuing in the long line of great Alabama receivers has a role to play for those who are looking to choose a school. It also projects the importance of an elite recruit and the direction of where the program is headed.

The standard should still be Alabama will win - with, or without you. However, most fans know how big of a piece Ryan Williams is to not only the 2024 Crimson Tide but also to the shaping of a new Alabama football offense.

Alabama found itself in a great position with Ryan Williams before, but as of right now, sources say that Texas and Auburn are ahead. The Crimson Tide have a shot to grab Williams' commitment again, ahead of his decision on his birthday, February 9. With not much time left in this one, all eyes will be on the new Alabama coach.

For what it's worth, if you look at Ryan Williams' Twitter, and his most recent likes, you will see he seems to be fond of the new Alabama hire.

NOTE: Stats are courtesy ESPN.com