Williams talks Alabama commitment
Quinnen Williams, three-star defensive tackle from Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Ala., committed to the University of Alabama on Tuesday morning. The former Auburn commitment becomes commitment No.17 in the Crimson Tide's 2016 class.
Williams is the fourth defensive line commitment in Alabama's class joining Kendell Jones, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, Khalid Kareem, four-star defensive end from Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Mich., and Raekwon Davis, three-star defensive tackle from Meridian High School in Miss. Alabama is adding plenty of size to the defensive front which is expected to lose several key contributors after the 2015 season to graduation and early entry to the NFL.
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"I committed to Alabama because Alabama is a great school," said Williams. "They have a great academic and great athletic program. It's the place where I feel like I can develop my game in the next four years, and will help me become a better man in life.
"When I first committed to Auburn I committed as a fan instead of looking at it as a student-athlete. I grew up a diehard Auburn fan. Auburn was my dream offer. When I got the offer I decided to go ahead and commit. I really didn't look at it from a student-athlete standpoint.
"Alabama was really the best fit for me. They can help develop as a player and as a man. I just committed too quick. I decided to re-open my recruitment and take a look at everything."
Williams does not plan on second guessing his commitment to the Crimson Tide.
"I am done with the recruiting process," he said. "I am not going on any more college visits. I am very relieved with my decision. I just want to focus on my senior season, build my body up and get ready to go to Alabama.
"I knew I was going to Alabama after I went down there for the camp. I knew it's where I wanted to be. I know they can help me be great in life, in the classroom and in the neighborhood."
The in-state prospect developed a great bond with ace recruiter Mario Cristobal and defensive line coach Bo Davis throughout the recruiting process.
"I called Coach Cristobal and told him about my decision last night," said Williams. "He was very excited. He was the one who recruited me. He helped me understand the recruiting process. He came down here and saw me. He talked to me about everything.
"I really love Coach Bo Davis. He is a great guy. Coach Crisotbal is very humble. Coach Saban is real down to earth and humble. He pushes kids to work hard on the football field, in the classroom and in life."
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound lineman accounted for 85 tackles in 2014, 15 sacks and five forced fumbles. He is ranked the No.39 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com.
"My strengths as a player are my hands and the mental part of the game," he said. "I want to get faster. It's something i am really working on this off-season.
"I was recruited to play defensive end. I feel like I fit in really well at Alabama. They have a very good background with defensive ends. They have Da'Shawn Hand there now. I am really cool with him."