When the smoke cleared after Alabama’s win over Southern Mississippi, Nick Saban paid the ultimate compliment to one of his players.
“He’s a dog. He loves playing,” Saban said.
Jameson Williams was the athlete.
A native of St. Louis, Mo., Williams was on Alabama’s radar in the 2019 recruiting cycle.
He initially signed with Ohio State; however, he’s now with the Crimson Tide. After two years with the Buckeyes, Williams is making his presence felt in the Southeastern Conference.
He became an impact player upon arrival in the summer. His new teammates were impressed by his explosiveness and speed.
John Metchie III, a junior, told reporters at SEC Media Days that Williams has ‘juice.’ Saban said the same thing and stated how Williams would be to be a ‘featured’ player on offense.
He is becoming a fan favorite in Tuscaloosa.
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Williams leads the Tide in receiving with 299 yards. He’s totaled 12 catches, including three for touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder set a school record with two kick returns for scores versus Southern Mississippi. He is having success in a different conference, but Williams plays for much more. On Thursday, people got an understanding that football is more than a game.
Jameson Williams made history for Alabama last wknd with 2 kick return TDs in 1 game.(3 TDs on the day)
I asked what motivates him & this was his answer.
(I actually got to see him play in HS a couple times @ @RitterPrep out of STL–small🌎)
Anyway, @bigsgjamo‘s easy to root for pic.twitter.com/tSHqL6Qfpt— Taylor Kauffman (@_TaylorKauffman) September 30, 2021
“Growing up, I had a lot of friends who played football,” Williams said. “They are no longer here with us, so I always think about those guys. I go hard for them. I go hard for my family every day so we can see a better lifestyle. Honestly, I come from nothing. I have an opportunity to show us a better lifestyle. Something we have never seen before. Something we always dreamed about.”
He laughs to hide the pain, but Williams shares a situation similar to many players. Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris grew up homeless and used football to create a better life. Dalvin Tomlinson lost both his parents to tragic deaths and used football to become a man. Other players had children in college, yet they took the experience to become better parents and athletes.
Williams wants a better opportunity for his family. If he continues to excel, he will change their fortunes.
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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.
