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The Tuscaloosa News
Here are 18 things to know about Alabama football star Ryan Williams as he turns 18
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Here are 18 things to know about Alabama football star Ryan Williams as he turns 18
Ryan Williams ' days as a 17-year-old are almost over.
In what was meant to be his senior year in high school, Williams instead took the college football world by storm during his freshman season with Alabama football despite being 17 years old and the youngest player in the FBS. Williams officially turns 18 on Sunday, nearly one year after he signed with coach Kalen DeBoer the Crimson Tide following a whirlwind recruitment.
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As Williams prepares to turn 18, here are 18 things to know about the Alabama football wide receiver.
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Ryan Williams ' 18th birthday is Feb. 9
He was born in 2007.
A two-time Alabama Mr. Football winner
Williams won the award in 2022 and 2023. He is the first two-time Mr. Football winner in history.
Two-time Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year
Williams was named Alabama's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
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Unanimous 5-star prospect
Williams was the top-rated prospect in Alabama's 2024 class.
ASWA 6A Back of the Year in 2022, 2023
Along with being a two-time Mr. Football winner and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, Williams was also named as the ASWA Class 6A Back of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
Picked Alabama over Auburn , Florida State , Georgia and Texas
Williams held 26 total offers.
Led Alabama receivers in 2024
Williams' 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns led Alabama receivers in 2024. He also added four rushes for 48 yards and two touchdowns.
From Mobile, Alabama
Williams attended Saraland High School where he was coached by Jeff Kelly.
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Reclassified from the 2025 class to the 2024 class
Williams reclassified from the class of 2025 to the class of 2024 in December 2023.
Ran track
Williams' personal best times in high school included and 10.49 in the 100-meter dash and 21.28 seconds in the 200-meter dash.
Earned All-SEC honors as a freshman
Williams was elected to the All-SEC First Team and Freshman All-SEC Team by league coaches
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Finalist
Williams was one of five finalist for the award, which recognizes the top first-year player in college football. Texas' Colin Simmons took home the award.
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Nickname is "Hollywood"
Williams began going by "Hollywood," when he was around six or seven years old, and since then, the nickname has stuck.
2024 Biletnikoff semifinalist
Williams was one of nine semifinalist for the award which recognizes the top pass catcher in college football. Colorado 's Travis Hunter won the award.
Two-time SEC Freshman of the Week in 2024
Williams earned this honor twice for his play against Georgia and Western Kentucky.
Decommitted from Alabama following Nick Saban's retirement
Following a year-long commitment, Williams decommitted from Alabama following Nick Saban's retirement. He recommitted to Alabama on Jan, 24, 2024.
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Will be NFL Draft eligible as a teenager
Williams will be eligible for the NFL Draft at 19-years-old.
An AHSAA Class 6A 2022 state champion at 15-years-old
Williams, who was 15-years old at the time, scored four touchdowns to lead the Spartans to a 38-17 win over Mountain Brook in the 2022 AHSAA Class 6A state championship game. It was Saraland's first state title and Williams was named MVP.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Ryan Williams: 18 things to know about Alabama football WR as he turns 18
