Kalen DeBoer on Ryan Williams entering second season: 'He's got much higher goals'

Ryan Williams made an excellent first impression this past season, standing out as one of the best freshman in the country. On Wednesday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer discussed his standout wide receiver’s debut campaign and his expectations for Williams’ second season.

“A year ago at this time, we were pretty excited about the commitment, right? And that’s what it was, that he had made to come play football in Alabama,” DeBoer said. “You got into the summer, and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is fun working with him.’ And then we saw what he could do in the season.

“I know that he’s got much higher goals than what he accomplished this year, and that’s individually and as a team. I’m really excited about him taking the next steps as a leader now. And he’s going to take care of his business and do what he needs to do, and we’re going to be there to help him refine the things that are going to make him the best of the best.”

It won’t be easy for Williams to ramp up his production next season. Williams tallied 48 receptions for a team-high 865 total yards and eight touchdowns this past season.

Williams had his best performance of the season in Alabama’s win over Georgia. He finished the game with six catches for 166 yards and a TD, which was a clutch 75-yard score.

For his efforts, Williams was named a First-Team All-SEC selection and a Second-Team All-American by the AFCA. He also was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award but ultimately lost to Texas EDGE Colin Simmons.

While Ryan Williams undoubtedly doesn’t mind hauling in individual accolades, Kalen DeBoer emphasized the young star’s focus on the team’s success.

“He’s a team player through and through,” DeBoer said. “We saw that all season long. He and [Germie Bernard] kind of coming back as the leaders of the receiving corps — I’m excited about what they bring from a mindset [perspective].

“When your best players are your best people and highest character guys, it’s exciting what it can become. We have that at the receiving core. We’ve added some guys too, with the early enrollees, the newcomers. So I really like the way that that group is going to come along under their guidance and leadership.”

Alabama will be hungry to achieve big things in DeBoer’s second year at the helm after just missing the College Football Playoff this past season.