This hasn't been the season anyone envisioned for Ryan Williams after his breakout freshman season a year ago. There have been small moments of brilliance, like his 165-yard, two-touchdown performance against Wisconsin in September, but for the most part, it has been a frustrating season for the star WR.
So frustrating in fact, that some have speculated that perhaps Williams would seek a fresh start somewhere else in the Transfer Portal after the season.
He shut that down quickly on Monday during Media Day at the Rose Bowl.
Williams' loyalty to Alabama should be celebrated. It's rare in this day and age of college football.
And if there's any justice in this cold, NIL-driven world, the football gods will smile on Williams at the Grandaddy of Them All on Thursday afternoon.
Kalen DeBoer certainly hasn't lost faith in his sophomore WR. He knows that moment is coming sooner rather than later - and there's no better time for it than tomorrow.
"There's just been a non-stop level of work that he puts in," DeBoer told reporters on Tuesday. "His attitude...when you're there with him, and you see the smile, the work, the team-first attitude that he has, you can't help but root for him. ...I just love the guy. It hasn't been the perfect year...but every game he steps on the field he's just trying to overcome and help us be better.
"He’s gonna have a game like he’s had at different times where he goes off and I’m just waiting for that moment because it’s gonna be awesome and we're all going to be super happy for him and I know it's coming sooner than later."
Kalen DeBoer knows a big game is coming for Ryan Williams
The biggest thing working against Williams this season has been drops. He's got 10 of them this year, which has caused him to lose confidence, and in turn has caused Ty Simpson and the coaching staff to lose some confidence in him as well. That's why guys like Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton, and Lotzeir Brooks have been targeted more in recent weeks, particularly in the big moments.
But in the Rose Bowl against Indiana, with Alabama working as major underdogs, there's no time for caution. A couple of big plays on offense could potentially swing the game in the Crimson Tide's favor. And if someone is going to make an explosive play for Alabama, Williams remains the safest bet to do so.
It's on Williams to catch the ball and make the plays that are there. But it's also on DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb to force the issue. Get Williams the ball in space. They did it a little bit in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, and Williams provided a spark for a lifeless offense in Atlanta.
Quick screens, reverses, wildcat snaps, etc. Get Williams the ball in space and let him go to work. As much as he has struggled this year, he's still one of the best players in the country with the ball in his hands.
A big game for Williams in the Rose Bowl would go a long way to erase the memories of his sophomore slump.