Alabama Crimson Tide freshman sensation Ryan Williams and Philadelphia Eagles star DeVonta Smith are two wide receivers who have strikingly similar builds and skill sets. Recently, the young stars won a lot of social media aura points by training together during the offseason in Tampa, Florida.
The workout, led by renowned strength coach Yo Murphy, was shared on Murphy’s Instagram story fueled speculation that says Williams is all set to follow in Smith’s footsteps as Alabama’s next great wide receiver.
College Football Prodigy Ryan Williams Meets Legend Devonta Smith During Training
Williams, the youngest FBS player in 2024 at age 17, jumped onto the scene with 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns as a true freshman, leading Alabama’s receiving corps.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams (@Ryanwms1) and DeVonta Smith are working out this offseason with Yo Murphy — a strength coach that works in Tampa, Florida.
Williams and Smith have similar builds. Williams is listed at 6-feet tall and 175 pounds. Smith is listed at 6-feet… pic.twitter.com/JvaJV6v3Ga
— Brody Smoot (@BrodySmoot) May 21, 2025
His highlight reel, including a 177-yard, one-touchdown performance against Georgia, made many compare him with Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2020 with 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns at Alabama.
The Tampa training session, reported on May 21, 2025, also included Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, but the spotlight was dead set on Williams and Smith. Yo Murphy, a former NFL receiver who has trained Smith since his 2020 Heisman season, focused on ankle mobility and stability during the training to prevent injuries.
Williams’ breakout 2024 season, where he paced Smith’s Heisman numbers through four games (462 yards, five touchdowns), sets high expectations for 2025. Alabama’s receiver room, strengthened by Horton and returner Germie Bernard, gives DeBoer flexibility to move Williams between outside and slot roles.
Training with Smith and Murphy who are known for their grueling 5 a.m. “Breakfast Club” sessions could improve Williams’ durability and polish which can be significant for his potential Heisman run. Further fueling and strengthening the “heir” speculations.
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As Alabama aims to rebound from a 9-4 season, Williams’ work with Smith hints at his ambition to improve. Smith is the perfect person Williams could learn from and looking at the social media interactions, fans also share our sentiment.
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