Quinnen Williams was never going to stray far from home, with the Birmingham-based defensive tackle eventually deciding between scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi State. In the end, he kept as close to home cooking as possible, choosing Alabama over their fierce SEC rivals.
Williams announced his decision Tuesday, showing up for his announcement decked out in an Alabama shirt and hat to spoil any elements of dramatic surprise. In fact, his announcement came with a refreshing lack of melodrama, with the Wenonah School rising senior at showing up and answering questions from the press about his decision, then going his own way.
Williams’ commitment to Alabama completes a flip between state rivals after he had previously pledged to attend Auburn. Following months of thought and a subsequent de-commitment the 6-foot-4, 265-pounder opened up his recruiting. Following the Nick Saban camp, he was ready to become the fourth defensive lineman in Alabama’s Class of 2016.
“I like their tradition and winning ways,” Williams told AL.com. “They’re always in the running to compete for a championship. Their athletic department is second to none and they have a great academic program as far as my major (education) goes. I’ve developed a great relationship with the coaches.”