Alabama football found itself in desperate need of a hero on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Facing Georgia, the Crimson Tide had surrendered a commanding 30-7 first-half lead, falling behind 34-33 with just 2:31 left on the clock. The momentum had shifted entirely to Georgia, and Alabama’s offense struggled to respond in the second half.
“A play doesn’t care who makes it,” the freshman receiver said. “I thought, why not me?”
On the very first play of Alabama’s drive, Williams caught a pass, spun past defenders, and sprinted 75 yards for a game-winning touchdown. His explosive play sealed a 41-34 victory over then-No. 2 Georgia and marked his fifth touchdown in just four games.
As Williams reached the sideline, Alabama’s director of player personnel, Bob Welton, greeted him with an exuberant hug. This moment of triumph was a far cry from the uncertainty that loomed just a year ago.
The Fight to Keep Ryan Williams
Williams had been a cornerstone of Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class. The two-time Mr. Football winner from Saraland was ranked No. 4 nationally by the 247Sports Composite. But everything changed when Nick Saban announced his retirement on January 10, 2024.
That evening, Williams de-committed from Alabama, shaking up the recruiting landscape just weeks before National Signing Day.
Welton, who had been instrumental in recruiting Williams, understood the decision but knew Alabama had to act fast.
“Hey Shephard, you’ve got one job: Get Ryan Williams back,” Welton told JaMarcus Shephard, Alabama’s newly hired receivers coach.
A Star in the Making
Welton and Alabama’s staff had their eyes on Williams early. The speedy, versatile athlete caught Alabama’s attention as a freshman. By his sophomore year, the Crimson Tide was convinced of his potential, offering him a scholarship in June 2022.
Despite offers from 25 programs, including Georgia, Texas, and LSU, Williams consistently reassured Alabama he was committed. However, the uncertainty following Saban’s retirement forced Williams to reevaluate his options.
“I just needed to check my options,” Williams explained. “Coach Saban was my head coach, and my receivers coach had left. I had to make sure Alabama was still the best place for me.”
The Turning Point
Two days after Saban’s retirement, Alabama hired Washington’s Kalen DeBoer as head coach. DeBoer immediately prioritized Williams, calling him from the Tuscaloosa airport alongside general manager Courtney Morgan.
DeBoer’s hiring brought credibility, especially given Washington’s explosive offense and its ability to develop receivers like Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan. But Williams wanted to know who his position coach would be.
When Shephard officially joined Alabama’s staff, he made Williams his top priority. During Williams’ official visit on January 20, Shephard met with him and his family, laying out a detailed plan for his development—academically, spiritually, and athletically.
“You pretty much hit all the things I needed to hear,” Williams told Shephard.
Williams wasn’t interested in the usual recruiting fanfare. He approached the visit as a “business trip” to determine if Alabama was still the right fit.
Shephard’s energy and honesty won him over. “The J does stand for juice in JaMarcus,” Williams said. “He’s full of energy and impacts receivers more than any coach I’ve been a part of.”
A Team Effort
Alabama’s success in re-recruiting Williams extended beyond Shephard. DeBoer, Welton, Morgan, and several staffers played pivotal roles. So did freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe, a close friend of Williams.
“We’ve got to play together,” Mbakwe told him.
That connection proved vital. Williams canceled planned visits to Texas and Auburn after his Alabama visit, shutting down his recruitment entirely. On January 24, he recommitted to the Crimson Tide, signing officially on February 7.
The Future of Alabama Football
Williams’ commitment sent a clear message: elite recruiting wasn’t retiring with Saban. The Crimson Tide secured not just a transcendent player but also a symbol of continuity and resilience.
Now, Williams is making good on his promise, proving to be a game-changing presence for Alabama. And with moments like his game-winning touchdown against Georgia, the Crimson Tide’s future looks as bright as ever.
