Alabama beats out schools for massive in-state commitment

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on in the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Alabama beats out Georgia, others for massive in-state commitment

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 8:15 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide have to be feeling great. Sure, the start of the college football season didn't go well for them, but Kalen DeBoer's team has bounced back in a huge way.

The Tide are now 3-1 and ranked No. 10 in the country after going on the road and taking out the then-No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs.

It was a huge win for Alabama, but it also paid off for DeBoer on his staff on the recruiting trail.

One of their top in-state targets, four-star offensive lineman Jatori Williams, was actually in Athens taking in the game. Days later, he's now DeBoer's third 2027 commitment in a class that's already looking extremely strong.

BREAKING: Four-Star IOL Jatori Williams has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’4 330 IOL from Phenix City, AL chose the Crimson Tide over Ohio State & Georgia

“AGTG, Roll Tide”https://t.co/rLBTFC7dU2 pic.twitter.com/LH9fjBdTBZ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 29, 2025

Why Jatori Williams chose to commit to Alabama

From Phenix City, Alabama, the Auburn Tigers were also in contention for Williams' commitment, as were the Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers, amongst others.

It was basically a battle of the "who's who" in the SEC (plus OSU, per usual), but it's one the Tide one because of their ability to make connections on the recruiting trail. Winning big games always helps, but recruits want to play with and for people that they know.

"I chose Alabama because I have a good relationship with the coaching staff," Williams told Tom Loy of 247Sports. "The coaches who played a big role in my decision are coach (Chris) Kapilovic, coach (Kalen) DeBoer, coach Eron Hodges, and coach Courtney Morgan."

Speaking of offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, he's going to have a fun time developing Williams, who checks in at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds and he's not even a senior in high school yet.

"One of my old teammates (Mal Waldrep) plays for him (Kapilovic), and I have been hearing good things about him," Williams said.

According to 247Sports, Williams is the No. 4 interior offensive line recruit in the 2027 class.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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