Alabama WR Ryan Williams reveals inspiration behind name change

He unveiled more than just a number change in his third season with Alabama football.

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Ryan “Hollywood” Williams has a new name on the back of his Crimson Tide uniform. He know goes by Ryan Coleman-Williams, paying homage to all parts of his family. The Mobile (Ala.) native is more than excited to have a bounce back year at wide receiver after suffering from dropped passes in 2025.

Williams, a former five-star, credits his mother for the name change and him desiring to leave the right legacy behind in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

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“I have a legacy I want to write and my mom is a strong part of that,” Williams said Thursday to reporters following practice on the name change.

“She is my best friend and the last name Coleman comes from her. So I wanted to represent my family to the best of my abilities and prepare for the legacy I want to leave behind.”

The junior has stepped into a leadership role — per Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer — and anticipates having a monster season.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.