Ryan Williams, Alabama’s electrifying wide receiver, has been turning heads this offseason for his relentless pursuit of excellence. After leading the Crimson Tide in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2024, the Saraland, Alabama, native reclassified from the Class of 2025 to join the team a year early.
At just 17 years old during his debut season, Williams earned Freshman All-American honors, signaling a bright future ahead. Yet, his focus remains on growth.
In a revealing interview on ESPN’s “College Football Podcast” with Rece Davis, he shared insights into his offseason training with Super Bowl champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and Alabama legend DeVonta Smith.
Their workouts together have offered Williams a rare opportunity to learn from one of the game’s elite, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated sophomore season.
Learning From a Legend: Ryan Williams’ Admiration for DeVonta Smith Shines Through
During the podcast, Williams reflected on their time together.
“Just learning from a guy that’s really defied a lot of odds, like you know he’s an amazing football player, but he’s an even better person,” Williams said.
This admiration stems from Smith’s willingness to mentor Williams, a bond that began when the young receiver sought advice on staying healthy and refining his skills. Smith, selective about his training partners, welcomed Williams, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Smith’s credentials make him a natural mentor. At Alabama, he shattered records, finishing his career as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. His 2020 season, capped by a Heisman Trophy and a national championship, showcased his brilliance.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith continued to excel, contributing a key touchdown in their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
Despite doubters early in his career who questioned his slender frame, Smith’s work ethic and skill silenced critics, a journey Williams finds inspiring as he carves his own path.
Elevating His Game: Williams’ Ambitious Goals for the Upcoming Season
Williams’ freshman year was a revelation, with 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns leading Alabama’s receiving corps. Yet, he sees room to grow.
“I learned a lot about the little details on how I can do that for myself, and just taking my game to the next level,” Williams said.
This mindset drives his offseason, as he aims to build on his debut and cement his status among college football’s elite.
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Consistency tops Williams’ list of goals. While his freshman season featured dazzling highs, including multiple 100-yard games, occasional lulls revealed areas for refinement. By absorbing Smith’s emphasis on repetition and detail, Williams plans to deliver steady production weekly.
Versatility is another target. Previously reliant on deep routes, he has expanded his arsenal under Smith’s tutelage, adding slants, curls, and outs to keep defenses off balance.
Unlike last year, when he arrived mid-summer after reclassifying, Williams completed a full spring practice in 2025, gaining a deeper grasp of Alabama’s system. Now 18, he approaches his sophomore campaign with a seasoned perspective, ready to capitalize on every snap.
With three talented quarterbacks, including frontrunner Ty Simpson, vying for the starting role, Williams’ chemistry with the group ensures he’ll thrive regardless of who takes the helm.
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