Kalen DeBoer says Ryan Williams will break out ‘sooner rather than later’
By Luke Greco
Published:
Ahead of its matchup with Indiana in the Rose Bowl, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer praised standout wide receiver Ryan Williams and said he expects him to go off “sooner rather than later.”
It has been an up-and-down season for the Alabama wide receiver. After having a breakout freshman season last year, many expected Williams to take the next step in his sophomore year. Instead, Williams’ numbers have taken a hit in his second year. Williams ended his freshman season with 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also added 2 touchdowns on the ground. This season, in 2 fewer games, Williams has totaled 43 receptions for 636 yards and 4 touchdowns. His last 100-yard receiving game came against Wisconsin on Sept. 13.
“When you’re there with him, and you see the smile, the work, the team-first attitude that he has, you can’t help but root for him, whether it’s as a coach or whether it’s as a teammate. I just love the guy,” DeBoer said. “He’s going to have a game like he’s had at different times where he goes off, and I’m just waiting for that moment because when it is, it’s going to be awesome.”
Alabama is coming off a 34-24 victory over Oklahoma on the road. In that game, Williams hauled in 1 reception for 5 yards — his least productive outing of the season. Since the start of November, Williams has totaled 10 receptions for 141 yards and 1 touchdown in 5 games.
The Tide will need Williams to have a big game if they want to knock off the Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza, and his undefeated Indiana Hoosiers.
Kickoff on New Year’s Day is set for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.
