Kalen DeBoer praises Ryan Coleman-Williams’ work ethic ahead of Year 3 at Alabama
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Ryan Coleman-Williams figures to be a key piece to Alabama‘s success in 2026.
It’s Year 3 for both the former top-5 recruit and his head coach, Kalen DeBoer, in Tuscaloosa. During a recent appearance on Always College Football, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy asked the Crimson Tide head coach about Coleman-Williams’ prep heading into his junior season.
In a clip shared on social media, DeBoer touted Coleman-Williams’ work ethic, noting the wide receiver goes above and beyond what’s asked of him when it comes to spending time at the team facility.
“You know what he’s done, he knows what it’s supposed to look like, knows what it feels like. He’s been there, he’s worked extremely hard. People, I think, think, ‘oh it’s a wake-up call for your football team’ or whatever it might be,” DeBoer told McElroy.
“Ryan’s been Ryan. Ryan works and you’re never going to question the work ethic, the character, the personality. He’s competitive as anyone you’re going to find.”
That competitiveness has Coleman-Williams working hard this offseason.
“Our team just loves that about him and then you know what he’s done as a leader. Being really the guy that’s probably taken as many snaps as anyone on the offensive side in particular. He’s in the weight room and he can lead the charge.
“He’s here this whole month of May. He might have little things in the weekends and he does and does but he’s here. You know our guys are away from school for the most part.”
While there’s a break in the University of Alabama calendar, Coleman-Williams hasn’t packed up and left town, according to his coach.
“There’s a couple weeks where they do get that one time a year to get away. Guess who’s here? You know and that’s Ryan Coleman-Williams,” DeBoer said. “So I’m excited about what that future looks like. I just think if you just keep working the good things come to you sooner or later.
“You want it sooner than later, but that’s going to be the case, I think, for Ryan.”
"Our guys are away from school… there's a couple weeks where they do get that one time of year to get away. Guess who's here? That's Ryan Coleman-Williams."@AlabamaFTBL HC Kalen DeBoer speaks on the work Ryan Coleman-Williams has put in this offseason to be better in year 3 pic.twitter.com/oXT833o9BQ
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) May 13, 2026
As a freshman, Coleman-Williams led Alabama pass-catchers in receiving yards (865) and touchdowns (8) on 48 receptions (second to Germie Bernard’s 50). Coleman-Williams saw his catches increase to 49, but his receiving yards dipped to 689 and TDs to 4.
Will Coleman-Williams and the Tide make the Playoff again? Kalshi is taking early action on predictions!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
