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Commitment Analysis: Williams flips to Miami, not LSU

Christian Williams committed to Alabama on a visit to Tuscaloosa in April, but as his senior season played out, things started to turn towards the four-star defensive back ending up elsewhere.

The Rivals250 talent out of Mobile (Ala.) Daphne never removed his name from the Crimson's Tide commitment list, but he was viewed as an uncommitted prospect since early December.

LSU looked to be in the driver's seat. He was in Baton Rouge a couple of times for games, then they had him on campus for the final official visit just days ago. Maybe not all, but most that followed his recruitment had him penciled in LSU's class, but Miami snuck in and landed the combo defensive back.

The Hurricanes hosted Williams on an official visit a few weeks ago and Manny Diaz and Mike Rumph went to work. They quietly sold their ability to get him on the field early, and in the end that is what propelled the 'Canes to the top.

Below we break down why this is a big get for Miami who it stings most.

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WHY IT'S BIG FOR MIAMI: Miami was once known for producing elite defensive backs and they want to get back to that. Williams is a big defensive back who could project as a defender all over the secondary. There is a need at this position for Miami. They did not have the depth in this class as some others that were in pursuit of Williams and that played a big role in this decision. Williams is a physical player with a great frame, good ball skills and the size to compete for early playing time. His versatility makes him that much more valuable. Williams is an athlete who still has some real upside as he continues to develop his coverage skills.

WHO IT HURTS MOST: Although he was committed to Alabama, the school it hurt the most was LSU. They have a very strong group of defensive backs in this class with No. 1 player Derek Stingley Jr. leading the way, so this does not hurt the Tigers too hard, but this is still a miss. Williams was a take, he was a target for LSU and they went into the final weekend thinking they had him.

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