By Mike Lilly
The recruiting period was forever changed in 2017 when the early signing period was instituted. The amount of recruits that sign early is higher than ever, making those that sign on the traditional National Signing Day a much smaller amount and taking away some of the February drama and excitement fans are used to. Nonetheless, some players have yet to put pen to paper, and here are some updates from the recruiting trail:
Ryan Williams
Saraland, AL (Saraland)
#4 NAT, #3 WR, #2 AL
The talented wide receiver, standing at 6’1″, 165 pounds, has drawn comparisons to former Alabama receiver Devonta Smith, making it fitting that he has been mulling a decision between the Crimson Tide and rival Auburn. Williams caught 72 total passes in 2023, his senior season, equating to 1,324 yards and 19 touchdowns. There are few receivers that can boost an entire recruiting class, and Williams is certainly one of them.
Williams broke off his commitment with Alabama in early January after the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban but recommitted to coach Kalen DeBoer after a visit two weeks later. I still feel there might be some questions about where Williams might end up, seeing that he also took a visit to Auburn on February 3rd. Could coach Hugh Freeze make a late run? Only time will tell, and I lean the Crimson Tide getting his signature, but Williams is one to keep an eye on.
Final Prediction: Alabama
Alabama WR recruit Ryan Williams and Roll Tide Willie have met up in T-Town: pic.twitter.com/U9y3kkpJ8X
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) January 19, 2024
Terry Bussey
Timpson, TX (Timpson)
#11 NAT, #1 ATH, #3 TX
Could we have a late signing day flip? Bussey’s recruitment is one that certainly has the signs that LSU and Texas A&M are battling this one to the finish. A player who can take snaps on either side of the ball, Bussey is seen as the most dynamic athlete in the 2025 recruiting cycle. He is expected to move to playing receiver or in the secondary at the next level, something to keep an eye on for the explosive playmaker.
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Bussey has made late visits to LSU and Texas A&M just ahead of his college decision. Can Mike Elko and Texas A&M secure a late-cycle win ahead of his first season as the Aggies’ head coach? Although Bussey has been committed to Texas A&M since September, Bussey has been trending to LSU and coach Brian Kelly. I look for Bussey’s relationship with new LSU DBs coach Corey Raymond to put them over the top and ultimately land the signature of the 5-star athlete.
Final Prediction: LSU
👁️👁️ pic.twitter.com/yPrwODD6p3
— Terry Bussey (@Terrybussey12) January 19, 2024
Dominick McKinley
Lafayette, LA (Acadiana)
#14 NAT, #4 DL, #1 LA
The top player in Louisiana, McKinley flipped his commitment from Texas A&M, pledging to LSU in late December. The 6’6″, 280-pound defensive lineman can play inside or out on the defensive lineman with his elite size and play-disrupting ability. When you talk about players who can make an immediate impact, McKinley is one that should come to mind.
McKinley seems to be a lock to LSU, barring any eleventh-hour changes in his commitment. On social media, he’s made hints at the previously mentioned Terry Bussey flipping his commitment to LSU to join him, which is something only a player who seems secure in their commitment would do. You can spare me the thought that coach Mike Elko and Texas A&M are still in this one, given how things are trending, but nothing should surprise anyone when it comes to recruiting in 2024.
Final Prediction: LSU
#GeauxTigers 🐅 pic.twitter.com/QV3NNaZ0lL
— Dominick McKinley (@DominickMcKinl4) January 31, 2024
Gatlin Bair
Burley, ID (Burley)
#43 NAT, #10 WR, #1 ID
Track speed is something that gets thrown around all the time, but Bair if it is something that does exist, Bair has it. The 6’1″ 195-pound receiver had been deciding between Michigan and Oregon after deciding to end his commitment to Boise State. Bair is expected to go on a 2-year mission prior to enrolling in school, but having a wide receiver who can run a sub-10.2 100-meter dash is impressive whether he plays tomorrow or 2 years from now.
Bair recently announced a commitment to Oregon and coach Dan Lanning on February 3rd over Michigan heading into signing day. I do not see Bair reconsidering, but at the same time, I would not expect Michigan and coach Sherrone Moore to go away quietly. The factor of Jim Harbaugh leaving the Wolverines so late in the recruiting cycle likely played a big factor in this one, as Bair decommitted from Boise State after the firing of coach Andy Avalos.
Final Prediction: Oregon
He filmed my 10.15 on the Chromebook 😂 @korbinstory58 pic.twitter.com/8ketaCTsRr
— Gatlin Bair (@BairGatlin) May 12, 2023
