"He’s going to be a great player here": Kalen DeBoer has special mention for new Alabama weapon making smooth transition ahead of 2024 season

Kalen DeBoer was appointed as the Alabama coach earlier this year, replacing the legendary Nick Saban. Amid the pressures of the demanding job, DeBoer appears eager to work with some top prospects in the country, including wideout Ryan Williams.

Earlier this week, DeBoer spoke to WKRG News 5 and heaped praise on Williams for expertly acclimatizing to his new surroundings.

"It's been so amazing to see," DeBoer said. "I mean the transformation on top of how quickly he just fit in. You know, a lot of times the guys that come in with the expectations, that gets hard for them, but that transition and just him fitting into the team, he's done his thing.

"He goes by his business and he’s just proven he’s going to be a great player here. I'm excited about his growth and he just retains things so well, he processes and has just made tha transition very smooth.”

Notably, Ryan Williams de-committed from Alabama after Nick Saban announced his retirement in January. However, the former Saraland star eventually decided to pledge his commitment to the Tide later that month.

Williams is one of the most exciting prospects in this year's class. The two-time Alabama Player of the Year racked up 72 receptions for 1,324 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior at Saraland.

Fox Sports analyst draws comparisons between Kalen DeBoer and Tiger Woods

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer (Credit: IMAGN)

Amid the hype around Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt compared the coach to golf icon and 15-time Major winner Tiger Woods. During an appearance on "Next Round Show" via WJOX 94.5 FM this week, Klatt said:

"What I like about Kalen is he’s got a little Tiger Woods in him,” Klatt said. “I’m not trying to say he’s the greatest of all time, but Tiger used to talk about ‘I need to be technically proficient at my craft, but I also need to learn how to be great at winning.’ This is why we see he was great at winning."

Kalen DeBoer has compiled a 104-12 overall record across nine years as a head coach. He spent five years at Sioux Falls, two years at Fresno State, and two years at Washington, where he led the Huskies to the national championship game in 2024.

While DeBoer has yet to win a national title, his record is impressive and fits the bill for a successor to Saban at Alabama.