When Nick Saban recruits junior college defensive backs, he recruits them to play early.
The trio of Deion Belue, De’Quan Menzie and Saivion Smith saw it first-hand.
Both Belue (2013) and Menzie (2012) were on BCS National Championship teams, while Smith helped the University of Alabama football program to a Southeastern Conference title in 2018. Saban grabbed another elite JUCO player in Ronald Williams Jr. in the 2020 signing class.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder was an All-American in 2018 via the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA), following his season of 18 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception.
In his second year at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, Williams picked up his game with 31 tackles, five breakups and three picks.
He earned a four-star rating — per Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine — and according to Pete Golding, the Alabama defensive coordinator said Williams has the size, strength and speed to play corner in the SEC.
The Tide is currently working Williams at both corner and star (nickel).
RELATED: Alabama’s Patrick Surtain to live up to ‘lockdown’ CB expectations and become more vocal
Patrick Surtain II, a junior, spoke to local reporters on Saturday.
During his Zoom call, he spoke on how the team expects ‘big things’ from the junior college product this season.
“He’s (Ronald Williams) doing really well,” Surtain said. “He is in his playbook now more than ever. He is going to play a big role in our defense.”
Golding mentioned the unique depth the Tide has in its secondary. He wants to have multiple looks and for his guys to play fast; however, it starts with experienced players owning their roles.
Williams has a major opportunity to show Saban and the coaching staff what JUCO taught him.
He has to fend off both Jalyn Armour-Davis and Brian Branch at star.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
