Oklahoma State lands commitment from Alabama EDGE DJ Williams

DJ Williams went to Oklahoma State with an open mind. He left Stillwater with a new leader. Now, the Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville EDGE has committed to Oklahoma State after backing off his pledge to Iowa State.The 2027 prospect took his first trip to Stillwater for an official visit this past weekend. Oklahoma State had recruited him since September, but getting on campus helped Williams see how much the program wanted him.The coaches made their intentions clear.“The coaches looked me in my eyes. It’s like, ‘We want you. We want to develop you,’” Williams told Rivals. “I can see their energy every time they talk to me.”That consistent attention helped Oklahoma State make up ground quickly. The program offered Williams in September and continued building the relationship before bringing him to campus.Williams admitted the visit surprised him.“I went up there with an open mind, and I just loved it out there.”The coaches helped bring Williams to Stillwater. The people throughout the program and community helped convince him to stay.Fans encouraged him to choose Oklahoma State as he walked around town. Inside the program, he noticed staff members who had spent years working with players in areas such as development, mental health and nutrition.“They’re just like a tight-knit family over there,” Williams said. “The players and the coaches have a great connection.“When you mess up, they do get on you, but then they lift you up also.”That balance mattered. Williams wanted a program that would challenge him while supporting his development, and Oklahoma State showed him both during the visit.Eric Morris connected beyond the fieldTime with Eric Morris gave Williams another reason to choose Oklahoma State.Williams saw a passionate coach who wanted to discuss more than his future as a pass rusher. Morris talked about helping him mature and preparing him for life beyond the game.“He doesn’t only care about football,” Williams said. “I sat down with him, [and he said], ‘I want to see you grow as a man.’”Williams also felt comfortable opening up to Oklahoma State’s head coach.“You can just sit down and talk to Coach about anything.”Those conversations helped Williams and his family evaluate his next step.He had committed to Iowa State in June following an official visit. As new opportunities emerged, they took another look at whether that decision remained the right fit.“Me and my family, we just sat down,” Williams said. “We were seeing more opportunities, and we were like, ‘Is this really the perfect fit for me?’”Oklahoma State answered that question on his first visit.The relationships, family atmosphere and plan for his development gave Williams what he needed to make his next commitment.“It’s a great place out there,” Williams said. “Coach Morris is doing a great job with the program. They have everything from facilities to nutrition to a great coaching staff. I had a great visit out there.”