Kalen DeBoer earned his first major win as Alabama’s head coach by getting an electric five-star wide receiver to recommit and sign with the Crimson Tide, but his victory is becoming more evident after talking to players.
Ryan Williams is not your average freshman.
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He should be a senior at Saraland (Ala.) High School at 17 years old; however, his dynamic skill set allowed him to accomplished everything at the high school level in three years. Williams chose to reclassify to the class of 2024 and did not lose his five-star rating. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder did not enroll on campus until the summer, yet he’s been turning heads since his arrival.
Coaches are in awe of him and players cannot believe what he’s doing at 17. Williams put on a show at Alabama’s scrimmage and open practice last week at Bryant-Denny Stadium. In his return to Tuesday’s practice, he took a line of receivers through routes on air drills in the media viewing period. Deontae Lawson, a redshirt junior at inside linebacker, is very impressed with Williams.
A fellow native of the South Alabama area, Lawson called Williams ‘elite’ in an interview after practice.
Alabama LB Deontae Lawson raving about freshman WR Ryan Williams:
“Ryan is a playmaker. You can see that clear as day. He is a deep threat, his route running is elite.”
Lawson said Williams understands the scheme of defenses even at 17.@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/fIaqoX6L2R
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) August 13, 2024
“Ryan is a playmaker,” Lawson said.
“You can see that as clear as day. He is a deep threat, his route running is elite, and for a guy to be that young but understands schemes, zones, man coverage … it is just a pleasure to see. And especially coming from where I am from, it is good to see that.”
Two players from the bottom of the state of Alabama respect each other’s game. Williams is going to be a problem for defensive backfields in college football. Alabama will run a lot of sets with three wide receivers, but Williams should have his opportunities.
The Tide’s coaching staff cannot deny how electric he is.
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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.
