Ryan Williams Draws Comparisons To CFB Legend

Alabama's sensational freshman receiver Ryan Williams has showcased his talent in their first two games.

The 17-year-old freshman, who reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class, is the youngest player on the field, but his age has not stopped him from his immediate impact he has had for the Crimson Tide's offense under Kalen DeBoer.

In his first two games as a member of the Crimson Tide, Williams has tallied six receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns. His first touchdown came on an 84-yard reception from Jalen Milroe, where Williams penetrated through Western Kentucky's secondary for a wide-open catch. Williams' talent is taking the nation by storm, and experts are taking note of his sensational play thus far this season.

On Monday's edition of The Next Round , Tom Luginbill joined the show and discussed Williams' impact for the Crimson Tide through the first two weeks of the season.

"He is special," Luginbill said. "And he is unbelievably mature for his age. I know last week we talked about it, I referenced Amari Cooper, and the reason why I referenced that is Amari Cooper came into the college ranks so far ahead of the curve as a route runner and understanding the nuances of how to attack leverage, and alignment, and cushion, and get open, and separate. He just had a natural knack for it... Ryan Williams is like Amari in that regard.

“I promise you when opposing teams are breaking down tape and Alabama breaks the huddle, you better figure out where he’s at," Luginbill continued. "There are not a lot of freshman wide receivers in College Football that defenses have to do that with.”

This is a massive statement from Luginbill. Amari Cooper is considered one of the greatest wide receivers to play at Alabama, and the instant impact Cooper had in his freshman year in 2012 plays much similarity to Williams' early success thus far. Cooper's early production was so impactful, in fact, that he broke freshman records set by Julio Jones, who is also considered one of the Alabama greats.

Williams is off to a hot start with the Tide, and fans eagerly anticipate his further impact with the offense for the rest of this season.

Related: Ryan Williams is Alabama's Next Elite Deep Threat