In December, the Twitter accounts of high school football players become volatile. Bios signifying allegiances to prior commitments change and follower counts are reduced and boosted as fan bases learn the news.

As the early signing window moved further up the calendar, a trend was popularized by coaches, players and analysts. The holiday season was nicknamed ‘Flipmas,’ a nod to prospects changing their minds. As the class of 2024 signing window neared, social media braced for another high-profile flip when Alabama commit Ryan Williams tweeted a countdown clock nine days ago. But, confirming a long-standing rumor, Williams didn’t change his verbal commitment. Instead, he changed his graduation year.

In a shakeup just over a week before the signing period begins on Dec. 20, Williams announced his plans to reclassify into the 2024 recruiting cycle, giving the Tide another five-star. Williams announced the news at Saraland High, where he’s developed into one of the best skill players in the state’s recent history.

Here are the big takeaways from his decision:

Williams becomes Tide’s second highest-rated recruit in ‘24

According to 247Sports Composite, Williams enters all-star game season as the 12th-rated player overall and the fourth-ranked wide receiver. The top is Central-Phenix City’s Cam Coleman, who flipped from Texas A&M to Auburn. Williams jumped Coleman in AL.com’s A-List ranking after over 1,500 yards of offense and 30 touchdowns. Williams has a chance to win a second Mr. Football Award for the second year in a row, which has never been accomplished in state history.

Alabama has a trio of consensus five-stars that can compete with any other class in the country: Elite 11 winner Julian Sayin (No. 5), explosive defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe (No. 19) and now Williams. The latter two put on a show in last weekend’s AHSSAA Class 6A title game, combining for eight touchdowns inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama remained fourth in national rankings but closed the gap on Florida State according to 247Sports. Only Ohio State (five) and Georgia (four) have more five stars. Williams leads a group of five pass-catchers and tight ends. Like he told AL.com’s Ben Thomas, his decision was a year in the making, likely giving Tide coaches time to plan accordingly.

UA’s current 21 pledges are well-rounded, with an emphasis on linebackers. There’s an opening at running back after Alabama secured a pair of five-stars a year ago.

Alabama lands 5-star reclassification for 2nd year in a row

Reclassification has grown more prominent among high school football players after growing into a common practice in basketball. In Williams’ case, he told reporters he would sign in February and graduate in May. Last December, Nick Saban and co. landed another five-star who matriculated into college a year early. Defensive back Dezz Ricks made the jump from IMG (Fla.) Academy after being a top 2024 prospect.

It’s a testament to the relationship-building skills of Saban and his coaches to take advantage of the reclassification trend. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was one of the more prominent recent examples. He attended Ohio State in 2021 and was able to make NIL deals. Williams’ announcement comes days after an Alabama lawmaker filed an NIL bill for high schoolers in the state.

Auburn coaches were present at Williams’ announcement. The Tigers’ new staff has built the 11th-ranked group nationally and is building momentum, flipping former Alabama commit Perry Thompson earlier in the year. Williams has reaffirmed his commitment to UA on multiple occasions and said he plans to enroll in the summer.

Ryan Williams 2024 Alabama outlook

Williams’ speed and ball skills forecast well at the next level. Nearly every evaluator who sees Williams starts thinking back to the all-time offensive weapons to see where Williams lands. Alabama has found a use for shifty wideouts whether it be Kobe Prentice or do-it-all type Kendrick Law. Isaiah Bond has also developed into a big-play threat late in the season for Jalen Milroe. There may be an opening on special teams for Williams, who brought back an 86-yard kickoff last weekend in Tuscaloosa.

However, while Alabama prides itself on allowing competition and in camp to determine playing time, it’s unlikely Williams will carve out a clear role as a freshman. As 2023 five-stars Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw showed this fall, long-term development is a path to playing time regardless of prospect status. Williams will need time to learn the playbook, develop chemistry with the quarterback and likely add some muscle to his listed 6-foot, 165-pound frame. Both of the Tide’s impact freshmen this season, Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor were both mid-year enrollees, with Downs attending Sugar Bowl practices.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].