Kaine Williams is one of the top safety prospects in the Class of 2021 and nearly made a commitment in the aftermath of the coronavirus canceling all most of March and April campus visits.
Instead, the Rivals100 defensive back from New Orleans named Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M as his final three schools, a group that at one time included Florida, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida State, which for most of the spring was circled as a must-visit stop for Williams after landing an offer in January.
Now, Williams will make a decision as early as the summertime or likely before his senior season starts. Here is how we rank the contenders for his commitment.
MORE: Will Alabama land a top 10 class?
1. LSU
LSU is the perceived favorite for Williams, who was strongly considering committing to the Tigers as recently as March. The four-star safety has a strong relationship with New Orleans area recruiter Mickey Joseph, who is close with his entire family and has successfully recruited John Ehret as long as he's been at LSU. Ehret has produced Tigers such as Donte Starks and Michael Divinity, and Williams could certainly be next in line. Additionally, the addition of defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is one of the highlights of the offseason for Williams, who could be a safety or outside linebacker down the road.
2. Alabama
Williams had a busy March planned with visits to Alabama, LSU and Florida State all in the works, but he was only able to make it to Tuscaloosa before the NCAA shut down travel plans. Williams met with coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Pete Golding. The four-star safety called the return trip to Alabama his "best" to date, which says a lot because he has frequented the campus quite a bit over the past two years. Look for Alabama to get the Rivals100 talent back on campus before any decisions are made.
3. Texas A&M
Texas A&M has steadily remained a player for Williams the past two years and recently made the cut for the final three. Jimbo Fisher and Ishmael Aristide have both forged strong relationships with the New Orleans native and it's left a lasting impression on his entire family. Besides LSU and Alabama, Williams has been to Texas A&M's campus quite a bit. The Aggies were close to landing Williams' commitment as recently as March, so don't sleep on A&M's chances over the next few months.
