At just 17 years old, Alabama Crimson Tide wideout Ryan Williams took the NCAA by storm during his freshman season. The young standout dazzled the league with his unteachable speed and elusive playstyle, making defenders look foolish and leaving them in the dust. As he prepares for his sophomore season, Williams reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from his time on the field, particularly from star quarterback Jalen Milroe.
The college football landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years: NIL deals, intense recruiting battles, and the ever-active transfer portal are just pieces of the puzzle. With limited time to adapt before transitioning to the professional level, freshman stars like Williams must maximize their opportunities. Alabama is confident they’ve discovered their next great wide receiver, adding yet another star to their storied collection of elite playmakers. While fans in Tuscaloosa may harbor doubts about who will take control of the huddle, there’s no question the wideout position is in good hands.
Williams has shown great maturity at such a young age and is looking well on track to become a superstar during his next two years in college football, as well as in the league. However, Williams is not overly anxious about jumping into the NFL; instead, he’s enjoying the ride, one made even sweeter thanks to NIL deals. He revealed a key lesson learned from Milroe that could resonate with many young athletes.
“Whatever [Jalen Milroe] has an interest in, he’s going to go conquer. That’s the main thing I learned from him,” Williams stated. He emphasized the importance of building lasting relationships in a space often dominated by the pursuit of money. “But also not just taking – because the NIL space can sometimes be confused with just money, money, money, money. Building not just a short-term relationship, but a relationship that you want to carry. Kind of like the loyalty thing and how he stayed for four years at Alabama.”
While having a seventeen-year-old hand out life advice may sound unusual, Williams is not a typical teenager. At his age, he is already in charge of commanding a stacked offense through one of the toughest conferences in college football. Others would be wise to hear Williams’ five cents. “If I was giving someone else advice, or just what I have learned, is that if you have interest in something, go attack those interests because you never know what you can get out of it,” he shared. “If you don’t try, nothing’s going to happen. I would say if you have an interest in anything, go try to obtain those interests.”
As Williams gears up for the upcoming season, Alabama is still navigating its options at the quarterback position. Following Milroe’s departure, the Crimson Tide finds itself at a crucial crossroads, with pivotal decisions set to be made during spring training ahead of the 2025 campaign. Redshirt junior Ty Simpson and freshman Keelon Russell are shaping up to be the two best options under center for Kalen DeBoer’s Tide. Whoever ends up getting the nod at the QB1 position will undoubtedly lean on Ryan Williams to make a play at any given moment.
Williams’ journey is not just about personal success; it’s about contributing to a legacy. Alabama has a rich history of elite playmakers, and Williams is determined to add his name to that list. His performance last season showcased not only his talent but also his potential to be a game-changer. The excitement surrounding his development is palpable among fans and teammates alike.
The Crimson Tide’s coaching staff is eager to see how Williams continues to evolve. With his combination of speed, agility, and football IQ, he has the tools to become a standout player in the SEC. As he prepares for another season, the anticipation builds. Will he be able to elevate his game even further and help lead Alabama to victory?
In the ever-evolving world of college football, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce, Ryan Williams stands out as a beacon of promise. His ability to absorb lessons from seasoned players like Milroe and apply them to his own journey is a testament to his character and commitment. As he navigates the complexities of NIL deals and the pressures of being a young star, Williams remains focused on his goals.
The future is bright for this young wideout. With the right mindset and work ethic, he is poised to make an indelible mark on college football. As he continues to learn and grow, fans can expect to see him not only as a key player for Alabama but also as a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. The journey has just begun, and the best is yet to come.
