Alabama fans saw legends like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley shine in their first marquee Southeastern Conference games as freshmen wide receivers for the Crimson Tide.
Jones caught five passes for 62 yards in a 35-0 victory over Arkansas in 2008, but he captivated the nation in the following matchup against Georgia. Jones ushered in the big-bodied receiver era with five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in a 41-30 victory for the Tide at Sanford Stadium. Ridley turned in a stellar outing in his first SEC contest versus Georgia in 2015 with five receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown in a 38-10 victory. Ryan Williams, a true freshman, has a mindset that breeds success.
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He has been a pleasant surprise through three games, but the former five-star is ready for Georgia.
Last week, the product from Saraland (Ala.) High School gave his mindset heading into a showdown with the Bulldogs.
Ryan Williams on the Alabama-Georgia rivalry:
“It is a really big rivalry. We have been dominating recently, but they (Georgia) are the No. 1 team and we respect them. We are going to do what we do.”@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/XCMnJu86RU
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) September 21, 2024
“It is a really big rivalry,” Williams said about Alabama and Georgia. “We have been dominating recently, but they (Georgia) are the No. 1 team and we respect them. We are going to do what we do.”
Can Williams create explosive plays on Georgia’s secondary?
This the question Alabama fans want an answer for. He leads the Tide in catches (10), receiving yards (285), and touchdown (four), while having a 100-yard performance (139 yards, vs. Western Kentucky) under his belt. It will be interesting to see how Nick Sheridan, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, will free up Williams against the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder intends on giving Tide fans a show on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Saturday will be very entertaining to watch Williams in action.
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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.
