Nick Saban has a relationship with all 50 states in the United States of America; however, one in particular truly captures his heart in recruiting on offense.
Florida, known as the “sunshine state,” has been a hotbed for next level receivers since Saban became the head coach of Alabama in 2007.
He pulled a pair of first-round gems from the fountain – Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley – and has a third one in Jerry Jeudy.
The returning junior led the Crimson Tide in receptions (68), receiving yards (1,315) and touchdowns (14) last season, to win the Fred Biletnikoff Award (NCAA’s top receiver) and gain status as an All-American. Jeudy, a former five-star, is regarded by NFL scouts as a top-five pick for the 2020 draft and some pundits even project him as the No. 1 overall pick.
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Sophomore target Jalen Waddle was the star of the 2018 class, collecting 45 passes for 848 receiving yards and seven scores. He received honors as a Freshman All-American and was the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Year, but he was one of two wide out from the 21 signees.
Xavier Williams was the other receiver.
Like the trio mentioned before him, Williams is a Florida native.
A product from the other Hollywood, the four-star prospect was special at Chaminade-Madonna Prep School.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he was one of the top receivers in Florida for the 2018 cycle and was rated the No. 3 receiver, No. 29 player and the eighth-best player in the state via the ESPN 300.
Behind his exploits, Williams helped Chaminade-Madonna to back-to-back Class 3A state championship game appearances – including a victory in the 2017 title game.
He finished his career with 1,647 yards and 21 touchdowns on 67 catches.
After choosing to redshirt in 2018, despite playing against Louisville, Williams is starting to grow as a keen route runner and explosive playmaker. He had a really good spring that included a 22-yard touchdown reception from Mac Jones on A-Day for the second-team offense.
He was strong throughout 2018 in running scout team, but does he have the capabilities that make up Cooper, Ridley and Jeudy? Alabama fans are on true freshman John Metchie, following his most valuable player efforts from the spring game.
Tyrell Shavers has worked all summer to craft his skillset and Slade Bolden wants to show everyone that he is not to be slept on as well.
Anything can change between now and February of next year, but the Tide has a Floridian at receiver in Thaiu Jones-Bell committed for 2020 and people are excited about him.
Saban mentioned before the spring semester ended on how Williams has cracked the two-deep rotation.
Now, he must show that he can a be a significant contributor for Tua Tagovailoa.
A fifth star weapon will be born in the fall and Williams wants it to be him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
