Kalen DeBoer raves over Ryan Williams, expectations for freshman season

Within moments of being hired at Alabama, Kalen DeBoer had some ground to make up in the recruiting world. Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Ryan Williams had decommitted and was in talks with the likes of Auburn and Texas around a month ahead of National Signing Day. Not a recruit you want to see walk away, especially to an SEC rival.

DeBoer wound up getting the job done thanks to getting Williams back on campus for a weekend. A lot had changed inside the building over the course of a week, with DeBoer throwing a lot at at a young recruit. How Williams responded and absorbed information was something that stood out to DeBoer, believing it will translate when he officially enrolles.

“There was so much thrown at him,” DeBoer said via AL.com. “New head coach, new coordinator, new position coach. And when I hear him talk about what it is within our program that he really enjoyed and is excited about, he retained so much of that information.

“Which leads you to believe this was an important decision for him that he was been really thorough, really thoughtful, and I just can’t wait to get him in there with our guys. Because that attention to detail is something that you can’t take for granted.”

Williams did not go through spring practice at Alabama and will be playing from behind. The talent is certainly there, though. DeBoer is not going to be afraid to play Williams if he can prove to be one of the best receivers on the roster. Age or classification is not going to factor into the equation.

“We’re going to play the best guys, it doesn’t matter what age they are,” DeBoer said. “Ryan certainly has a very special skill set. Explosiveness along with consistent production.”

Williams played high school football at Saraland (AL) High School, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He was originally a member of the 2025 recruiting class be decided to reclassify.

The talent with Williams appears to be special and the excitement surrounding his arrival is palpable. Multiple wide receivers have come out of Alabama after having incredible college careers. People inside the program Williams hits the ground running and becomes just the latest.