Alabama's 5-star freshman WR Ryan Williams expresses desire to work out with former Heisman Trophy winner: "I'd love to"

Former Saraland High School wide receiver and 5-star prospect Ryan Williams has had a strange start to life as a commit to Alabama. He decommitted in January after coach Nick Saban unexpectedly retired before recommitting a few days later when coach Kalen DeBoer was appointed.

Most recently, the talented wide receiver was at the Rising Tide youth football camp convened by Alabama Crimson Tide teammate, running back Justice Haynes at Hillcrest High.

After the camp, Williams spoke to reporters about his desire to work out with former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith who won the Heisman Trophy as part of Nick Saban's team in 2020.

"I'd love to work something out with him (DeVonta Smith), but nothing is for sure yet," Williams said. "So, we'll see. I'm just focused on being the best player I can be, so that I can do whatever the team needs."

While speaking to reporters after the camp, Justice Haynes was full of praise for Ryan Williams and how seamlessly he has settled into the program.

"Ryan is a great dude and a tremendous talent. He works hard. He is going to do great things here. It is crazy to think that he should be a senior in high school with the catches that he makes out there in 7-on-7.

"He's doing some special things in our player-led practices. He is going to do great things. He is going to be a great player. Alabama ain't going nowhere," Haynes said.

Ryan Williams appreciated at Alabama

Coach Kalen DeBoer showed his recruitment nous when he convinced Ryan Williams to stay in Tuscaloosa after he had reopened his commitment in January post Nick Saban's retirement.

Coach DeBoer was full of praise for the wide receiver while speaking to reporters after the receiver recommitted to the program.

"I just can't wait to get him (Ryan Williams) there with our guys," DeBoer said. "I think from him, what's been just so impressive.

"When I hear him talk about what it is within our program that he really enjoyed and is excited about, he retained so much of that information, which leads you to believe that, man, these were important decisions -- was an important decision -- for him that he was being really thorough, being really thoughtful."

Williams is highly rated and could be a freshman starter after tallying 72 receptions for 1,324 yards resulting in 19 touchdowns while adding 261 rushing yards for seven touchdowns on just 30 carries for Saraland High School.

Ryan Williams could continue a proud tradition of the Crimson Tide playing talented wide receivers as freshmen including stars like Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Amari Cooper.