Kalen DeBoer reveals what's impressed him the most about Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams has been a freshman phenom through his first three games at Alabama. It has come as no surprise to Kalen DeBoer, though, with what he has seen from the young wideout since his arrival on campus.

DeBoer spoke highly of Williams during his appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Friday. He knows how incredible that he is considering his age compared to what he has already done through his appearances at the collegiate level.

“It’s really cool. What you really try to guard against, especially early on, is too much hype, you know. You know, the summer before he has even played one play, fall camp? You can see each and every day what he’s capable of, the plays he’s making.”

“Being around him then, you can just see the mindset he has and how impressive it is considering his age and the experiences or lack of experiences that he’s been through. He’s made the plays.”

However, it’s even more special considering how Williams has already become a part of their team. He’s as good on their roster and in their locker room as he is out on the field which has earned him as much praise from his teammates as everyone else who has seen him play.

“It’s fun to talk about him because he is a team guy,” said DeBoer. “He just, you know, has got a lot of pride in who he is. He’s got a great way about him. The team just respects him so much because of how he’s handled all the attention already that he’s getting.”

In three appearances with the Crimson Tide, Williams has caught 10 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns. His debut saw both of his receptions go for touchdowns with one being from 84 yards and the other being from 55 out for an average of 69.5 per catch. He has since caught four passes apiece in each of their last two with at least one being a touchdown. All four of those scores have been from at least 30 yards out.

This comes after Williams was a Five-Star+ prospect out of Saraland, Alabama. Per On3’s 2024 Industry Ranking, he was the No. 2 player in the state, No. 3 WR in the class, and No. 5 player overall.

Williams has been beyond impressive considering he’s only 17. Still, DeBoer remains as amazed by him overall through just a short time getting to coach him.

“He just loves ball and it comes out everyday through his work,” said DeBoer.