Nick Saban formed championship teams for Alabama football with players of great character.
Kalen DeBoer’s first win as the Crimson Tide’s head coach was getting a high character player to recommit and sign his national letter of intent for the University of Alabama. Ryan Williams, a former five-star wide receiver from Saraland (Ala.) High School, has caught everyone’s attention in fall camp. The 6-foot-1 speedster added 10 pounds to his frame, going from 165 to 175.
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He has made countless plays in practice, which should not shock anyone that watched him in high school.
Williams was a two-time “Mr. Football” winner for the state of Alabama. He also was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year winner. Williams nearly led the Spartans to a Class 6A state championship in 2023. He should still be in high school, but the 17-year-old decided he’s ready for the collegiate game. The media loves him; however, Williams is focused on getting better.
His teammates have noticed the most impressive thing about him is not his playmaking abilities.
“He is very receptive of the things you have to say,” Alabama wide receiver, Germie Bernard said about Williams.
“He puts his head down and he works. He blocks out the media attention he does get. He knows how to block it out.”
Bernard sees a ‘bright future’ for Williams on and off the field at Alabama.
“He is a young kid, but he does not play like he’s young,” Bernard said. “He has a high motor.”
Williams has done something different in each practice to catch the attention of teammates and coaches. He is a superstar talent that wants to do everything to help Alabama win. Williams will have his first scrimmage Saturday, so we’ll see how he does.
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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.
