Alabama in an all-out blitz for Florida pass rusher

Alabama has quietly been in the mix for Solomon Williams, three-star EDGE from Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, for several months. He received an offer from the University of Alabama in January. He was unable to visit until an official visit on June 16-18. A few more visits may happen before a decision.

“Alabama and Oregon are my top schools,” Williams said. “They are at the top because of the production at EDGE. Both have great coaches who can develop me.

“I plan on deciding either during week 2 or 3 of my high school football season. I am still deciding about July visits. Ohio State and Penn State want me to visit. I may go back to Alabama.”

Williams visited Alabama with his mother three weeks ago. There were many highlights of the visit which concluded with a trip to Nick Saban’s lake house on Sunday. The personal time spent with the Tide’s head coach is something Williams will always remember.

“The trip went really well,” he said. “I enjoyed it. My mother did also. I talked to Coach Saban. He told me what he likes and what I can clean up. He’s a very transparent coach. I really enjoyed talking and learning from him.

“He tells you how it is. He shares a lot of wisdom and will throw in a little joke, but it’s all something you can learn from him. It’s a life lesson. It’s amazing. Everything he says can be turned into a lesson.”

A key aspect of each visit is spending time with fellow student-athletes. Williams was hosted by Alabama freshman defensive lineman, Hunter Osborne. He also spent a lot of time with Florida native and sophomore defensive back, Earl Little Jr.

“The best part of the visit was really just hanging with the players, and seeing what they do outside of football,” Williams said. “You see how things really are at the University of Alabama. It helped me gauge how my life would be if I go there.

“I hung out with a group of players. They all said you have to work. They talked about playing for the best team in the world. Tuscaloosa is a small town. These players aren’t just superstars, they’re celebrities. They talked about the ins and outs of the program. I enjoyed just their wisdom of telling me what it’s like being there.”

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Alabama pushing for talented pass rusher

Solomon Williams during Alabama official visit.

The 6-foot-2.5, 245-pound defender is recruited as a ‘Jack’ linebacker by Alabama. He had an outstanding junior season with 15.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in 10 games. He spent a lot of time with Alabama outside linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler during the visit.

“Coach Hutz is very straightforward,” Williams said. “He will tell you like it is. He has been heavily recruiting me for a long time. I spent time with (Alabama sophomore LB) Jeremiah Alexander. Coach Hutz said I resemble him with my finesse off the ball.

“Coach Hutz and I talked a lot about football. He and Coach (Robert) Gillespie have been recruiting me since January. Coach G is my dog. He is really cool. He is straightforward. Just a really great dude.”

The accountability aspect of what Alabama brings to the table is a major component of his high interest in the program. Williams also enjoyed the attention his mom received during the visit.

“My mom really enjoyed it,” he said. “She enjoyed the love she was getting from everyone. She really loves it there. It’s a home atmosphere. She really likes the discipline they instill in you. I really love the structure and discipline.

“They hold each other accountable. You really need that as a man. They will help prepare you for every day life. I really enjoyed the visit overall. At Alabama you are going up against the-best-of-the-best every day. There is no place else like that except for Georgia. You practice and play against the best. It will get the best out of you.”

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Is Oregon too far from home?

Eugene, Oregon is more than 3,000 miles away from Tampa. Williams noted the distance may play an ultimate factor in his decision, but will decide based on what’s best for the long term future.

“If it’s in my best interest I will take that chance,” he said in regards to playing in the Pacific Northwest. “I just love how the coaches at Oregon can develop me and let me be the best version of myself. They believe I can make an impact with my pass rush ability.

“Coach Tosh (Lupoi) and Coach (Dan) Lanning have a great track record of developing pass rushers. I know they can develop me. I also like the University of Oregon.”

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