Alabama's 17 year old star Ryan Williams faces style backlash for his bold fashion statement: "Not it buddy"

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams has made a name for himself as one of the most talented freshmen in college football in three short weeks. The 17-year-old caught a spectacular pass from Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe in Week three's 42-10 win against the Wisconsin Badgers to further elevate his reputation.

The Crimson Tide have a bye week before a Week 5 clash against coach Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs. While speaking to reporters after Friday's practice session, Williams explained why he had painted his nails green.

“I wore these with my green suit,” Ryan Williams said. “We’ll change it up, pretty much every week. My little sister, she just loves doing nails and I support her fully.”

Similar to former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams, who also painted his nails, college football fans on X had different reactions to Williams painting his.

Some fans, though, were supportive of William's fashion statement.

"To all of the haters: painting nails meaning someone is feminine or weak is a totally arbitrary, made up convention. Williams is dominating 23 year olds on the field. What he does off-field is irrelevant and his choice. If Williams and his sister enjoy that, then that’s great IMO," one fan posted on X.

"17-year old more confident in himself than most grown-ass men. You love to see it," another fan posted on X.

"Cute!" One fan posted.

Nick Saban encouraged Ryan Williams to start podcast

During an episode of Ryan William's podcast, New Wave, which he hosts with cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe, he revealed that Nick Saban had encouraged him to start the podcast.

"As recruits, we knew we wanted to do something like a podcast because we always feed off each other," Williams said. "And it was actually coach Saban, he gave us a look and was like, 'That's a good idea'. Everybody has kept supporting us, and Alabama has done a great job of allowing us to express ourselves and share it on a platform."

Ryan Williams was extensively recruited by Saban. When the charismatic coach announced his shock retirement in January, the wide receiver entered the transfer portal before he was talked out of it by coach Kalen DeBoer.

In his capacity as an analyst for ESPN's 'College GameDay', Saban had high praise for Williams.

“Ryan Williams is a mature competitor, man,” Saban said. “He’s one of the most mature kids I’ve ever recruited. As a freshman, he showed maturity. What that really tells you, when a guy is a mature competitor, is he can focus on the things that matter. For a 17-year-old guy, this guy is explosive. He’s got great hands. He can run after the catch.”

This season, Williams has already tallied 285 yards on 10 receptions, resulting in four touchdowns and has become the go-to receiver for Alabama's quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Ryan Williams has repeatedly revealed that he hopes to emulate DeVonta Smith who won the Heisman Trophy with Alabama in 2020 under Nick Saban. With his stunning performances as a freshman, not many can put it past him.