Nick Saban compared him to Amari Cooper, but there is arguably a pure blend of DeVonta Smith and Jameson Williams in Ryan Williams’ game as a freshman wide receiver for Alabama.
The former five-star has been incredible through three games of the Kalen DeBoer era.
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He has 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Crimson Tide’s receiver room in all three areas.
Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Williams aspires to be on the same level or better than Smith was in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Smith, a Louisiana native, is the Tide’s all-time career leader for catches (235), yards (3,965), and touchdowns (46). He dominated in the 2020 COVID pandemic season with 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns, en route to winning the Heisman Memorial Trophy. Smith was a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion (2017, 2020), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2020), Unanimous All-American (2020), and first-team All-SEC selection (2019, 2020) for the Tide. He was a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2021 by the Philadelphia Eagles and has been successful in the league. Williams shared with reporters Friday that he trains like Smith.
“We were roughly the same size when we came in,” Williams said about wanting to be on Smith’s workout plan. “Just trying to figure out how he stayed healthy the whole time and was able to play all those games. It was only right and he was the Heisman Trophy winner, so it is something I am striving for.”
Smith’s workout plan, according to Williams, is strengthening one’s ankles.
“It is strengthening joints you will most likely hurt as a little person,” Williams said. “Like rolling your ankles and stuff like that, but it is just strengthening those.”
Smith never suffered a major injury in college and that made him successful.
Williams took seriously to that and wants to follow in his footsteps to become the next Heisman winner at wide receiver.
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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.
