After watching the explosive speed from Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle, Alabama fans were impressed with Jameson Williams last week.
He continues the trend of big-play wide receivers coming via the NCAA transfer portal from Ohio State. Williams helped the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff, and he caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields in a 49-28 win over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. He finished his sophomore year with nine catches for 154 yards and two scores; however, Ohio State prioritized Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson over Williams. The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder decided to transfer to the University of Alabama. When he got on campus, his new teammates quickly saw him as someone that would be an immediate contributor.
RELATED: Alabama QB Bryce Young to host podcast for Colin Cowherd’s “The Volume” network
Nick Saban stated in fall camp that Williams would be a ‘featured’ player in the offense, and Tide fans saw it versus Miami.
He led the team in receiving yards (126) and had four catches, including a 94-yard score in the third quarter. Williams’ efforts on the play gave the duo of him and Young the second-longest touchdown in the history of Crimson Tide football. During Tuesday’s player interviews, Williams told the media that his connection with the Alabama receivers happened fast upon his arrival.
“It did not take a lot of time,” Williams said. “We all became brothers quick. The first day I got here, we all linked up. Everybody showed me, love when they saw I committed to Alabama on Instagram. So, everything was simple. We just had to go to work.”
Williams was between Ohio State and Alabama in the 2019 recruiting cycle. He chose the Buckeyes; however, he said things did not work out. Williams feels more at home in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) and has found the receiver room as a family.
“At the end of the day, they say good things come back,” he said about transferring to Alabama. “Everybody in the receiver room is family to me. We compete with each other every day. In the game, we get a chance to play against other guys. We are happy for each other. Whoever makes a play, we are going to dap them up. We are going to chest bump. We are going to do whatever we can to celebrate.”
RELATED: Alabama football has the most NFL players on active rosters for 2021 season
As a native of St. Louis, Mo., Williams is at peace with his decision. He had a breakout performance versus the Hurricanes, and fans are excited to see more from him as we continue the season. Hopefully, he can put together a 1,000-yard season for the Tide.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
