Nick Saban addresses the importance of Jameson Williams to Alabama

Jameson Williams etched his name into Alabama football history in a big way on Saturday versus Southern Miss. He’s the first Tider to score on two kickoff returns in a single game and the first to return the ball 100 yards since 2004.

The Ohio State transfer wideout received deserved praise from head coach Nick Saban after the game.

“He’s been great,” Saban said. “He’s a hard worker, he’s a great competitor. He always wants to play on special teams. He wants to do as much as he can to help the team.

“I call guys like him, you’ve heard the term before, he’s a dog. He loves playing. He plays hard, he plays fast.”

In Alabama’s 63-14 rout of Southern Miss, Williams returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a score, added an 83-yard return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and also had an 81-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

Williams, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, left the Buckeyes’ crowded wide receiver room to become a top target for Alabama and new starting quarterback Bryce Young.

At Ohio State, Williams had nine catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns in 2020. Through four games at Alabama, he already leads all Tide receivers with 299 yards on 12 catches with three receiving touchdowns.

“He’s got great speed and that’s one of the things that we loved about him in getting him here,” Saban said. “He complimented our other guys because he gave us a great vertical threat, someone that can stretch the field. He’s got experience, he’s dangerous. He’s been a real plus for our team and our receiving corps.”

It comes naturally for Jameson Williams

After his breakout day for the Crimson Tide, Jameson Williams wasn’t surprised by his own performance.

“I’m trying to go to the crib, no matter what play or what catch,” Williams said. “I’m trying to go to the crib.”

Alabama will need the St. Louis native to show up in a major way once again in week five. The No. 1 Tide will welcome No. 12 Ole Miss to Tuscaloosa for what looks to be an offensive showdown.

Lane Kiffin’s Mississippi has the No. 1 scoring offense in the country, scoring 52.7 points per game. Alabama ranks No. 4 with 46.5 points per game.

Special teams is the area that could make a difference for the Tide versus Ole Miss on Saturday if it is a true shootout. Jameson Williams and freshman JoJo Earle give the Tide two options to break the game open on special teams.

Kickoff between Alabama and Ole Miss is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.