Is Ryan Williams a senior? A closer look at Alabama commit's NCAA eligibility
Alabama's newest wide receiver is Ryan Williams, who just graduated as a Saraland High School senior. Williams was the third overall wide receiver prospect in the class of 2024 and the fifth overall prospect in the nation.
He's a five-star recruit. In 2022, Williams had 42 touchdowns and was named Mr. Football by Alabama's Sports Writers Association. That year, he also led Saraland High School to a 14-1 record and the school's first state championship.
He's just the second underclassman in the history of the state to be named Mr. Football.
Despite being only a freshman in 2024 for the Crimson Tide, he's widely expected to make significant contributions to the program. Here's what coach Kalen DeBoer said about Ryan Williams:
“The thing that has impressed me the most about Ryan is his maturity, maturity and understanding what the commitment level is that it takes in this program, at the Division I level. He’s putting in the extra time, and he’s just a playmaker.
"You can already see that just in the little things he’s been able to do with us in the summer. Excited about him as well as some of the other guys that have been brought in. They’re hungry, they see that this is a great moment for them to step up, and they’re getting ready.”
Jalen Milroe on Ryan Williams impact in the locker room
Another person who spoke about the freshman wide receiver is quarterback Jalen Milroe. According to Milroe, the Alabama wide receiver is well on his way to adapting to the program. Here's what the signal caller said about Ryan Williams:
"It’s been great to have Ryan on campus. He was a guy that came in the summertime, so for me, it’s about building chemistry and getting to know my teammates.
"I tried to get to know Ryan. He's trying to master the game plan and master us as a group. It’s new. I was a guy that came in, and it was all about finding your place and trying to get better and also meeting new guys."
Senior defensive back Malachi Moore has also spoken about the maturity of Ryan Williams:
“He’s very mature for his age,” Moore said. “A lot of the things that he’s done in practice are shocking. He has the ability, but he also has the brains. He’s smart and knowledgeable as a freshman can be and even a year behind age-wise."
“He’s something I don’t think I’ve ever seen when it comes to Alabama, skipping a grade and going to college and performing as he has done.”
Alabama starts its season on Aug. 31 at Bryant Deny Stadium against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Alabama is ranked at No. 5 in the preseason AP Poll.