As a young man from St. Louis, Mo., Jameson Williams’ story has come full circle.
He has been fighting for one thing since childhood. Williams wants to feed his family.
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He looks at the situation his loved ones and friends are in and wants to bring them out.
When he runs, it feels as though he is escaping something but pushing to locate what is better.
People might be upset with the NCAA transfer portal, but it has been good to Nick Saban.
He pulled Landon Dickerson from the portal in 2019, and Alabama gained an elite center.
Coach Saban watched Dickerson bring an offensive line together, secure the Rimington Trophy (nation’s top center), and lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship.
Alabama returned to the portal during the summer for an inside linebacker and a wide receiver. Both have served well, but Williams has been special.
After leaving Ohio State for the Tide, the junior is one of 10 semifinalists for the Fred Biletnikoff Award. The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation made the announcement today.
Williams has recorded the ninth 1,000-yard season for a wideout in the Saban era since 2010. He shares the company of Julio Jones (2010), Amari Cooper (2012, 2014), Calvin Ridley (2015), Jerry Jeudy (2018, 2019), and DeVonta Smith (2019, 2020). The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder had a career-high three touchdowns versus New Mexico State in a 59-3 victory for Alabama. He has five 100-yard performances on the season, including 158 yards receiving on six catches against the Aggies. Wiliams leads Alabama for receiving yards (1,028) and scores (10) after 10 games.
Congratulations to Jameson Williams @bigsgjamo on being named a Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist! The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver at any position. @UA_Athletics @AlabamaFTBL #OutstandingReceiver #NCFAA pic.twitter.com/yd2wthVdYS
— Biletnikoff Award (@biletnikoffawrd) November 15, 2021
He is ninth all-time in school history in yards for a single season. Williams is tied with Jerry Jeudy (2019) and Al Lary (1950) for fifth all-time in touchdowns for a season. He is playing like a first-round pick and shows the ‘dog mentality’ Saban loves.
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“Jameson is exactly what we looked for in the offseason,” Saban said after the N. Mexico State game. “We wanted a fast, vertical threat that could take the top off a defense. A lot of the routes and plays he makes are designed for him because of who he is and what his skill set is. He complements John Metchie and the other receivers we have.”
Williams is crafting touchdown celebrations and having fun with the Tide.
Cooper, Jeudy, and Smith all won the Biletnikoff Award at Alabama. Williams is in line to be the fourth winner.
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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.
