When a compliment comes from Nick Saban, a player has reached a different level.
Jameson Williams is enjoying himself at the University of Alabama.
As a transfer wide receiver from Ohio State, the St. Louis (Mo.) native is having a breakout season. He leads the Crimson Tide for receiving yards (1,028), touchdowns (10), yards per catch (20.2 ypg), and yards per matchup (102.8 ypg).
Williams has five 100-yard performances this year and is one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award. The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder leads the Southeastern Conference for receiving yards (No. 12 nationally) and touchdowns (tied for second in the nation).
RELATED: Former Alabama DB Roman Harper endorses Will Anderson for the Heisman
Earlier in the season, Coach Saban gave Williams the ultimate compliment in crediting his ‘dog mentality.’
He sat with Roman Harper of SEC Network to talk about it. Williams said Saban’s words meant a lot to him.
“When Nick Saban gave me a compliment and called me a ‘Dog’ … He’s seen a lot of talent and for those words to come from him, it just means a lot.”@Harp41 sits down with @AlabamaFTBL‘s Jameson Williams: pic.twitter.com/htof0jre3z
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 20, 2021
“When Nick Saban gave me a compliment and called me a ‘dog,'” Williams said in stating the greatest compliment at Alabama that changed him as a player. “I feel like I have been that, but who it came from. … He is the greatest. He saw a lot of guys before he saw me. He got a chance to coach me. For that to come from him, it just means a lot.”
Williams earned the admiration of Saban for his efforts.
He is not only a big-play receiver, but he’s also a willing blocker and core player on special teams. Williams is one of the highest players at his position for the 2022 NFL Draft.
He projects as a first-rounder for next April.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.