The University of Alabama has a freshman wide receiver that looks to continue the tradition of elite freshman at the position.
He watched Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle as freshmen, but now it is time for Ryan Williams to be special. The talented product from Saraland (Ala.) High School had an unbelievable career for the Spartans, including a two-time winner for Gatorade Player of the Year and two-time “Mr. Football” recipient for the state of Alabama. Kalen DeBoer, Nick Saban, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker, and Malachi Moore spoke about Williams on Wednesday at Southeastern Conference Media Days inside the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
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The 6-foot-1, 165-pounder has been impressive all summer.
Moore, a fifth-year defensive back, had the assignment of defending Williams in player-led practices.
“Ryan is very mature for his age, and a lot of what he’s done in practice has been shocking to see from someone his age, do it at a high level,” Moore said Wednesday. “He has the ability but he also has the brain to go with his ability. He’s as smart and knowledgeable as a young freshman could be, and even (being) a year behind age-wise. He’s definitely something I’ve never seen when it comes to Alabama and skipping a grade, going to college and performing at the next level.”
Booker, a junior offensive lineman, highlighted Williams first as a young player that’s shined in practice.
Milroe, a redshirt junior, has been impressed with how quickly Williams has settled in.
“He is a guy that came here in the summer, but to see him develop and get better and the chance to be around him … it is all about the relationship aspect,” Milroe said about Williams. “I used to be a freshman that came in and it’s all about grinding your way. The guys in the receiver room and the team have accepted Ryan. We appreciate him as a player, and he is a special guy.”
Milroe knows Williams has a skill set that is going to be scary in college football. Saban and DeBoer were thrilled when he recommitted and signed with the Crimson Tide in the 2024 class. He should still be playing high school football, but the 17-year-old wants to show he’s ready for the collegiate game. His loyalty to Alabama has many overjoyed about how he’s going to perform.
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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.
