Hoover vs Gadsden City
Hoover's Darrell Williams on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, in Birmingham, Ala. (Al.com/ Butch Dill) ORG XMIT: bham
(Butch Dill)
Auburn's decision to fire defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson on Sunday sent shock waves across the 2015 recruiting circuit.
Hoover linebacker Darrell Williams is one of many Auburn commits who are sad to see Johnson go, but eager to find out who the Tigers will name as his successor.
Williams capped his senior season in Jordan-Hare Stadium Wednesday night with a third consecutive state title. His recruitment, however, isn't over.
"That's one of the worst things to happen to a recruit," Williams said when asked about Johnson's dismissal. "I loved the relationship and time we had, but I wish him the best. He knows it's business. He texted me good luck and to go for the three-peat. I still appreciate him as a man. It's hard.
"I would say I'm pretty firm with Auburn, but I'm still keeping an open mind with Alabama. Oklahoma, they still want me, but it's kind of tight. Ole Miss came back in the picture too."
Williams has yet to take any official visits, but attended several Auburn and Alabama games this season. He plans on taking officials to Auburn, Alabama Ole Miss and Oklahoma now that his season is over.
The 6-foot-3, 226-pounder committed to Auburn in May, but grew up an Alabama fan. The possibility of playing with current teammate and Alabama commit Christian Bell in Tuscaloosa is also enticing to Williams.
"My recruiting process has been one of the weirdest any recruit can ask for," he said. "(I'm) sitting here, grew up an Alabama fan, but Auburn seems real right for (me.) It's just hard... You have a coach who gets fired who's been recruiting you and you have a good relationship with, that's never a good feeling.
"Coach (Josh) Niblett tells me all the time I have to be a man about this stuff. Being a man is staying true to your word. But at the same time, you can't base the decision (completely) off that... I'm just going to let God lead me to where he wants to go.
Williams is ranked as the nation's No. 13 outside linebacker in the 247Sports Composite. Watch his interview in the video below.