After a sensational start to the season, one player for the Crimson Tide has not seen as many opportunities as he would probably like.
Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams headlined Alabama’s offense through the first five games of the season. The former five-star reeled in 19 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns through the first five games of the season. Since the halfway point of the season, things have changed for Williams.
He has seen a decline in targets and opportunities. Williams has hauled in 17 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown. That is a sizable dropoff from the numbers that Williams was posting to begin the season.
Is there room for concern? No. Opposing defenses are placing a larger emphasis on neutralizing Williams and making other players step up. It has worked twice thus far. Vanderbilt and Tennessee were both able to hold Williams in check for the majority of the game. As a result, Alabama’s offense became more predictable. Quarterback Jalen Milroe would try forcing the ball to Williams which did not work.
It seems like it could be a blessing in disguise that Williams is receiving less opportunities. Why? Other players are being forced to step up and take on increased roles in Alabama’s offense. Players like Germie Bernard, Kendrick Law, and CJ Dippre have each benefitted from Williams seeing less opportunities. In the end, Alabama’s offense should be better off as a result.
There is only a certain amount of time that teams can neutralize Williams before he has a 100-yard game with multiple touchdowns. Williams is too talented of a player to be held in check for too long. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will need to continue to try to find ways to get Williams more involved down the stretch. There is no question about it. He needs the ball in his hands more. There is no reason for Alabama fans to press the panic button. Williams will return to early season form sooner or later.
GET THE BEST ALABAMA FOOTBALL INSIDER INFORMATION, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, AND RECRUITING COVERAGE TODAY! SIGN UP HERETO UNLOCK OUR SUBSCRIBER ONLY CONTENT!*
Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
