Does Alabama football have a new freshman wide receiver to turn heads in college football?
Nick Saban had Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle achieve massive success as freshmen for the Crimson Tide.
Jones brought a physicality that no one saw before, Cooper and Ridley were 1,000-yard weapons as freshmen, Jeudy, Ruggs, and Smith helped the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017, and Waddle was a playmaker to earn Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2018.
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Saban recruited the next superstar in the 2024 class, but Kalen DeBoer got him to recommit and sign.
Ryan Williams, a five-star from Saraland (Ala.) High School, has Alabama fans really excited.
He reclassified from the 2025 cycle to this recruiting term, earning “Mr. Football” twice for the state of Alabama. Williams was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and nearly delivered the Spartans to a Class 6A state championship in 2023. The 6-foot-1, 165-pounder was a human highlight reel throughout his high school tenure.
He caught 187 passes for 3,254 yards and 47 touchdowns in his career at Saraland. Williams rushed for 22 career touchdowns, threw a touchdown pass, and returned two punts for scores. He was an incredible track athlete as well, posting a personal-best time of 10.49 in the 100 meter dash and 21.28 in the 200 meter dash.
Justin Smith, the director of scouting and recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, said Williams is a ‘faster version of DeVonta Smith.’
In an interview with Tide 100.9, JaMarcus Shephard — Alabama’s wide receivers coach — praised Williams and provided one message for fans when it comes to watching him.
“We got a lot of guys, but I’d be remised if I did not mention Ryan Williams,” Shephard said to Tide 100.9.
“This kid comes in Day 1, he’s running with the 4s and 5s with receivers, and you can tell it’s just burning through his soul. Guys, just remember. This kid should still be in high school right now, trying to get ready for a prom or something like that, OK? Alright? And right now, he’s here on campus.”
When it comes to how exciting Williams will be, Shephard said ‘get your popcorn ready.’
“Guess what? Kid’s gonna be good,” he said.
Crimson Tide supporters are salivating now. Fall camp will be here soon, and Williams is ready to rock.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
