Does Alabama football have a new freshman wide receiver poised to make waves in college football?
Nick Saban has seen freshmen like Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle achieve remarkable success with the Crimson Tide.
Jones brought an unprecedented physicality, Cooper and Ridley were 1,000-yard receivers as freshmen, Jeudy, Ruggs, and Smith led Alabama to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017, and Waddle earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2018.
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Saban recruited the next potential superstar in the 2024 class, but Kalen DeBoer convinced him to recommit and sign.
Ryan Williams, a five-star recruit from Saraland (Ala.) High School, has Alabama fans eagerly anticipating his arrival. Williams reclassified from the 2025 cycle, earning “Mr. Football” twice for Alabama. He was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and nearly led the Spartans to a Class 6A state championship in 2023. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 165 pounds, Williams was a highlight reel throughout his high school career.
At Saraland, he caught 187 passes for 3,254 yards and 47 touchdowns, rushed for 22 touchdowns, threw a touchdown pass, and returned two punts for scores. An exceptional track athlete, he posted a personal best of 10.49 in the 100-meter dash and 21.28 in the 200-meter dash.
Justin Smith, director of scouting and recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, described Williams as a ‘faster version of DeVonta Smith.’
In an interview with Tide 100.9, Alabama’s wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard praised Williams, highlighting his determination.
“We got a lot of guys, but I’d be remiss if I did not mention Ryan Williams,” Shephard told Tide 100.9.
“This kid comes in Day 1, running with the 4s and 5s with receivers, and you can tell it’s just burning through his soul. Remember, this kid should still be in high school, preparing for prom or something like that. And right now, he’s here on campus.”
Regarding Williams’ potential, Shephard said, ‘get your popcorn ready.’
“Guess what? Kid’s gonna be good,” he added.
Crimson Tide supporters are eagerly anticipating fall camp, and Williams is ready to impress.