Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is receiving some tough criticism this week pertaining to his recent performance against Florida. Former Crimson Tide QB AJ McCarron recently appeared on the Bama Standard Network and did not hold back any words. The 2013 national champion had some harsh words for Williams and his performance in Alabama’s 31-17 shocking loss to Florida State.
“Your other prime leader on offense, whether you like it or not, it is Ryan Williams because of his star power and how many plays he made last year,” McCarron began.
“They moved him around this game to try to help him so he’s not just stuck outside playing, going against roll coverage, too over the top of him, everything else. They try to move him inside slot,” he continued.
The former quarterback’s tone grew increasingly critical as he continued his assessment.
“That’s some of the worst route running I’ve ever seen in my life, ever,” McCarron stated bluntly.
“He was non-existent in this game. He plays way too high.”
Former Alabama QB AJ McCarron calls out Ryan Williams!
“It’s some of the worst route running I’ve ever seen in my life…You’re not Jeremiah Smith…You need to step up!”
Full Episode: https://t.co/JhleIeXUav#CollegeFootball #RollTide #BamaFactor pic.twitter.com/JlJ62me9xI
— The Bama Standard Network©️🐘 (@TheBamaStandard) September 3, 2025
McCarron’s observations painted a troubling picture of Williams’ current physical condition and development. He noted that Williams did not appear any bigger, stronger, or faster.
According to the former NFL quarterback, Williams ran too high for a slot receiver and was consistently being gloved during the game. McCarron explained that, while standing on the sideline with a clear view, he witnessed Williams struggling first-hand.
“He needs to step up. All this hype and everything, guess what? You’re not getting drafted off one year. You’re not Jeremiah Smith, brother,” McCarron declared.
He remarked that Jeremiah Smith could have come out last year and been the first overall pick, but emphasized that Williams was not at that level.
Williams had just five receptions for 30 yards in the game against the Seminoles. This disappointing performance added to what is beginning to become a concerning development for the former divisional five-star prospect.
Kalen DeBoer Provides Update On Ryan Williams’ Concussion Recovery
Williams’ challenges against Florida State extended far beyond terrible stats as he suffered a concussion, forcing him out in the fourth quarter of the game. Head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an update Wednesday that was encouraging in terms of his recovery.
DeBoer said the player was making progress “day-to-day” and officially stated that he had returned to the practice field in standard protocol.
The timing of Williams’ injury adds to Alabama’s problems with its offense. The Crimson Tide passing game struggled as Florida State’s defense did an excellent job keeping everything in check.
Alabama will now play Louisiana-Monroe this Saturday, and it will be interesting to see how the young wide receiver fares in this fixture and whether he’s able to put behind his performance against Florida come next week.
Read More:
- Top 7 Ryan Williams Jokes As Alabama WR Falls Flat In Major Upset Vs Florida State
- Insider Claims Deadline for Decision on Kalen DeBoer’s Future, Says Alabama HC Already on ‘Hot Seat’
- Alabama Season Preview: Can Ryan Williams Become the Tide’s Next Superstar?
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