For the haters who thought that Alabama Crimson Tide would struggle without Nick Saban, brace for disappointment! While it’s difficult for them to do without the GOAT, they are managing things pretty well. As Alabama aced the recruiting game in Saban’s era, they are trying to continue with the legacy. So much so that when WR Ryan Williams de-committed, Alabama wasted no time and could not wait for the player to reach the Tuscaloosa camp.

They had pulled over right after Williams’ plane touched the runway. And it was rather Crimson Tide’s GM, Courtney Morgan’s plan of action. Looks like Morgan had a time machine. He’d have seen Williams leaving Alabama’s legends behind. 

The story behind Ryan Williams’ return to Alabama

No wonder that Crimson Tide had eyes fixed on Williams for quite a long time. Well, he is the state’s only two-time Mr. Football. However, after Saban’s retirement, the WR decommitted. But shortly after, on February 7, he recommitted to Alabama now headed by DeBoer. As easy as it might sound, it was more like a run chase. The New Wave Show brought in Williams and Morgan for a quick chat when the GM came up with interesting info, “I never forget when the plane landed and it was like we gotta get Ryan keep Ryan.” 

Things were already going ugly as DeBoer lost five-star QB Juliam Sayin, freshman safety Caleb Downs, and Kadyn Proctor along with a bunch of other transfers. However, Morgan hardly cared. Instead, he had only one mission- Ryan Williams. “I mean it was so much going on the transfer portal just all the players trying to figure out what they’re gonna do but it’s okay that’s cool but we got to keep Ryan William,” revealed what exactly the GM’s thoughts were at that moment. This was enough for Courtney to woo DeBoer.

Where Ryan Williams ranks among the greats

DeBoer and Morgan’s bond has been going strong since their time at Washington where the now Alabama GM served as director of player personnel. In an interview with Green Light with Chris Long, Saban’s successor confessed, “Courtney Morgan has the big vision…He loves identifying, really diving into film, and finding those diamonds in the rough.” All this turns out to be nothing but the truth. 

Even though it was a huge risk for Morgan to stake everything on Williams, his risk-taking ability is reaping sweet results. The WR seems to be the big fish! He failed to go through spring practice, as he was still finishing up things in Saraland that were crucial for him to graduate early. Yet without any proper guidance, Williams stunned Alabama by scoring two touchdowns as soon as he started his first game.  

Alabama has had a long history when it came to great freshman wide receivers since Nick Saban took the reins. To name a few, there are Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, and Henry Ruggs. But among them, it’s Ryan Williams who tops the list with 10 catches, 285 yards, and four touchdowns. The Williams’ craze has been so vivid that Alabama Insider Clint Lamb had dropped a bold claim, “I honestly think he could play in the NFL right now.” However, the WR has miles to go before hopping onto the NFL wagon!