Ryan Coleman-Williams not leaving Tuscaloosa in preparation for crucial junior season

Alabama Wide Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams (1) in action during practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Friday, Mar 13, 2026. Photo by Rodger Champion

Ryan Coleman-Williams is staying close to Tuscaloosa this month ahead of the Crimson Tide’s summer workouts, according to Kalen DeBoer.

The Tide players have an opportunity to go back to their hometowns and do some individual work for a few weeks in May before they have to return to Tuscaloosa. Coleman-Williams is opting to stay in town.

“He knows what it’s supposed to look like, knows what it feels like,” DeBoer told Greg McElroy on Always College Football while discussing Coleman-Williams. “He’s been there. Here’s what I want to be careful of. He’s worked extremely hard. People, I think, think, oh, it’s a wake-up call for your football team or whatever it might be. Ryan’s been Ryan. Ryan works, and you’re never going to question the work ethic, the character, the personality. He’s competitive as anyone you’re going to find, and it shows. Our team just loves that about him, what he’s done as a leader, being really the guy that’s probably taken as many snaps as anyone on the offensive side in particular. He’s in the weight room, and he can lead the charge. He’s here this whole month of May. He might have little things on the weekends, he goes and does, but he’s here. Our guys are away from school for the most part. There’s a couple weeks where they do get that one time a year to get away. Guess who’s here? And that’s Ryan Coleman-Williams.”

The junior is coming off of what many would consider a down year when one considers the expectations many had for him before the season kicked off.  However, he still managed to pull in 49 receptions for 689 yards and four touchdowns. DeBoer told McElroy he remains excited about what Ryan will accomplish in the future.

“I’m excited about what that future looks like,” said DeBoer. “I just think if you just keep working, the good things come to you sooner or later. You want it sooner than later, but that’s going to be the case, I think, for Ryan.”