The Alabama Crimson Tide had taken a lot of heat after the news of head coach Nick Saban retiring. Head coach Kalen DeBoer took all of the heat from outside media while he got key transfers and recruits to commit, the biggest bomb dropped on January 25 with the commitment of Saraland wide receiver and five-star prospect Ryan Williams. Williams is a player who developed himself into one of the top high school prospects in the nation. He also devoted himself to taking his time with his decision to play at the collegiate level after the announcement of Saban’s retirement. Despite inquiring about heavy interest in Auburn and Texas A&M, Williams has decided that he will remain an evidential key member for the Crimson Tide giving another big win for DeBoer.
Ryan Williams Could Be An Immediate Star with Alabama
Williams’ Elite Play at Saraland High School
It is easy to see why Williams has become one of the most sought-after players in the recruiting field. In just three short years, Williams has transformed into one of the most tenacious deep-threat receivers in the nation. After contributing earlier this freshman, Williams would make a full-time start for the Warriors. By his sophomore season, he became an instant star by winning Mr. Football, the first sophomore to ever win the award as he caught 88 receptions for 1,641 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 700 yards and 15 touchdowns.
This past season, Williams caught 72 receptions for 1,324 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 261 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished his career at Saraland catching 187 receptions for 3,254 yards and 47 touchdowns. As well as rushing for 1,078 yards and 24 touchdowns. Williams accumulated 77 total touchdowns with four being special teams and two more being passing touchdowns. Finally, he became the first player in Alabama sports history to be named Mr. Football twice.
Willams possesses incredible athleticism, speed, agility on the run, elusive, ability to locate the ball, and great hands. He is a player who can be out on the outside for deep routes or more inside for screens or quick passes. He possesses a similar playstyle to Jaylen Waddle in his catching ability and his runs after the catch. Outside a lack of superior height, Williams is the complete package.
What Williams Can Bring to Alabama in His First Year
Since 2008 with Julio Jones, the Alabama Crimson Tide hasn’t been shy of playing freshman wide receivers and having them contribute immediately. Williams’ arrival comes at a perfect time as he takes over a significant slate of receivers departed from Alabama. Tide Nation and quarterback Jalen Milroe shouldn’t be too concerned with this with the addition of Williams as a potential legitimate number-one receiver as a freshman. Williams makes an efficient passing offense with Washington transfer receiver Germie Bernard, who is going to be playing slot. This past season at Washington, Benard caught 34 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns.
Jones almost had a 1,000-yard season as a true freshman at Alabama in a run-heavy offense. Amari Cooper caught 59 receptions for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Waddle was an immediate impact pass-catcher as a freshman only behind Jerry Jeudy. Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the 26-23 National Championship win over Georgia in 2019 as a freshman. There is no projection that quickly Williams could become in his first year at Alabama, but the potential has been set. Williams entered a pass-heavy, dynamic offensive system that made Rome Odunze highly successful.
Ryan Williams will have a great system at Alabama, a solid support staff, and the resources to thrive. This move by Alabama and DeBoer shows they are a serious team on the field and in recruiting.
