Nick Saban compares Alabama standout Ryan Williams to Amari Cooper

Alabama freshman receiver Ryan Williams arrived in Tuscaloosa with a lot of hype. He has lived up to it and then some thus far.

Williams has six catches for 207 yards and three touchdowns through the first two weeks of the season. Former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, who recruited Williams to Alabama, loves what he has seen out of him thus far.

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“Ryan Williams is a mature competitor, man. He’s one of the most mature kids that I’ve ever recruited,” Nick Saban said Saturday on ESPN College GameDay. “As a freshman he showed maturity. And what that really tells you when a guy’s a mature competitor is he can focus on the things that matter.”

Ryan Williams was originally committed to Alabama when Nick Saban was still the head coach, but he decommitted in January after Saban retired.

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He later recommitted to joining the Alabama program and now appears to be on his way to being one of the best receivers in college football.

Saban compared him to another former Alabama great in Amari Cooper, who is currently still making plays in the NFL.

“For a 17-year-old guy, this guy is explosive. He’s got great hands. He can run after the catch,” Saban said. “I think this guy reminds me of Amari Cooper when he was a freshman. And I think this guy’s got a great career.”

Breaking down what makes Alabama true freshman WR Ryan Williams so special

It’s been an impressive start for Alabama freshman Ryan Williams, a 17 year old phenom who’s played two games so far in his career.

Not just appearing on the field, Williams made plays in wins over USF and Western Kentucky. A kid who should be in high school could make a huge impact on Alabama, according to BamaOnline’s Tim Watts.

He broke down Williams’ potential with On3’s Kaiden Smith on The On3 Roundtable.

“He reminds me of Mark Jackson in the NBA, who says, ‘’Mama, there goes that man,’” Watts said. “I mean, everything you see about Ryan (Williams), you can’t have more hype around Ryan Williams. He’s been nicknamed Hollywood from early on. Early age, he’s telling people he’s going to be the best wide receiver in the country. You know, 17 years old. He skips a year, He should be a senior going for his three-time ‘Alabama Mr. Football,’ the only two time winner, by the way. 

“And this guy’s out here making big plays on a college campus. So, I mean, there’s not really enough heat. I guess the simplest way to put it is, Ryan (Williams) is who we thought he was. He’s a superstar. Some kids just shine brighter. Some people just shine at a different level, he’s got talent. I mean it’s not only that he’s got a work ethic. He’s got hands, catch radius. He’s fast. He’s very fast, very quick, just a lot, the complete package.”