MOBILE, Ala. — A year ago, Kalen DeBoer was celebrating.
On January 24, 2024, five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams from Saraland re-committed to Alabama football after initially decommitting following Nick Saban’s retirement. Now, a year later, DeBoer shared that Williams has become one of the leaders in the Crimson Tide’s wide receiver room, even before turning 18.
“I know he has much bigger aspirations than what he’s accomplished this year,” DeBoer said during the Senior Bowl on Tuesday. “Both individually and as part of the team. I’m really excited to see him take the next step as a leader. He’s focused, and we’re here to help him fine-tune the things that will make him one of the best. He’s a true team player, and we saw that all season.”
As a freshman, Williams recorded 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Seven of those touchdowns came in his first seven games. However, after Alabama’s home win against Missouri on October 26, Williams didn’t catch more than three passes in any game.
DeBoer praised Williams and Germie Bernard, who is returning for his senior season, as the “leaders of the receiving corps.”
DeBoer also mentioned Alabama’s new additions at wide receiver, such as early enrollees Derek Meadows and Lotzeir Brooks, and Miami transfer Isaiah Horton. He expressed confidence in the wide receiver room’s development under the leadership of Williams and Bernard.
Alabama is set to open the 2025 season on August 30 against Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida.
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