Alabama's Ryan Williams opens up about his first impression of Kalen DeBoer after Nick Saban's retirement
The Alabama Crimson Tide thought they were suffering a crushing blow when freshman receiver Ryan Williams decommitted in the offseason immediately following the retirement of Nick Saban.
Williams weighed his options before making another commitment, but one school continuously stuck out to him: Alabama. The Crimson Tide were beginning a new era with the signing of Kalen DeBoer to replace legendary head coach Nick Saban following his retirement.
Upon landing in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer worked to regain Williams' commitment, and it didn't take long for Williams to recommit to Alabama, as he made the announcement just two weeks later.
On Friday, Williams touched on DeBoer's immediate effort to land the star receiver upon landing the Alabama job (vis TuscaloosaNews.com):
"It was just a matter of making sure. As soon as they stepped off the plane, I was basically getting a phone call. They were on the trail extremely hard from the jump. It made me more comfortable and that Alabama, that's where home [is]."
Williams also discussed his amazement with DeBoer's offensive scheme while watching Washington's Sugar Bowl matchup versus Texas:
"We watched that entire game and I was like, 'Their offense is so explosive. It'll be crazy if I play for something like that.' Next thing you know, I'm here."
Even in his earliest days, Kalen DeBoer certainly helped Alabama keep one of its key recruits of the 2024 recruiting class.
How has Ryan Williams performed in his first three collegiate games?
Ryan Williams has played a crucial role in the Crimson Tide's offense to start the 2024-25 college football season. The freshman wideout has been one of the best receivers in the nation through three games.
Williams currently leads the Tide in receiving entering Week 4, notching 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns in his first three collegiate games. Williams burst onto the scene in his first collegiate matchup, notching two catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Entering Week 4, Williams is ranked No. 22 among FBS receivers in receiving yards and is tied for third in receiving touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide are on a bye week in Week 4 but will look to Williams to have a big game versus the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs on Sept. 28.