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Kalen DeBoer excited for Ryan Williams' 'next steps' with Alabama football in 2025
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Kalen DeBoer excited for Ryan Williams' 'next steps' with Alabama football in 2025
MOBILE, Ala. — One year ago, Kalen DeBoer was celebrating.
On Jan. 24, 2024, Saraland five-star wide receiver Ryan William s re-committed to Alabama football , initially ending his commitment after Nick Saban's retirement . One year later, Williams, per DeBoer, has developed into one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide wide receiver room before he's reached his 18th birthday.
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"I know he has much higher goals than what he accomplished this year," DeBoer said at the Senior Bowl Tuesday. "And that's individually and as a team. I'm really excited about him taking the next steps as a leader now. He's going to take care of his business and do what he needs to do, and we're going to be there to help him refine the things that are going to make him the best of the best. He's a team player through and through. We saw that all season long."
As a freshman, Williams had 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Seven of Williams' eight touchdown catches came in his first seven games. Williams did not have more than three catches in a game after the Crimson Tide 's home win against Missouri Oct. 26.
DeBoer called Williams and Germie Bernard , who is returning for his senior season with the Crimson Tide, the "leaders of the receiving corps."
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DeBoer mentioned Alabama 's additions at wide receiver, including early enrollees Derek Meadows and Lotzeir Brooks , and Miami transfer Isaiah Horton . DeBoer said he likes how the wide receiver room is coming along under the "guidance" and "leadership" of Williams and Bernard.
Alabama will open the 2025 season Aug. 30 in Tallahassee, Florida against Florida State.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Kalen DeBoer excited for Ryan Williams' 'next steps' with Alabama football
