Nick Saban compares Ryan Williams to Amari Cooper on College Gameday

Ryan Williams has burst onto the scene for Alabama Football as a true freshman, a fact that is not surprising to former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

On College Gameday this morning in Columbia, South Carolina, Saban raved about the 17-year-old.

"Ryan Williams is a mature competitor, man," said Saban. "He's one of the most mature kids I've ever recruited."

"This guy reminds me of Amari Cooper as a freshman, and I think this guy has a great career."

Cooper had a fantastic freshman season at Alabama, coming alive over the second half of the season in 2012 and finishing with 1000 yards and 12 touchdowns as he became the go-to WR for a national championship team.

It took Cooper a little time to get going, however, as the future All-American and No. 4 pick in the NFL draft only had 3-catches for 27-yards in his first two games with the Crimson Tide. It wasn't until the fifth week against Ole Miss that Cooper broke out with 8-catches for 84-yards and a pair of touchdowns. Two weeks later he eclipsed 100-yards receiving for the first time against Tennessee.

It took Williams one game to break 100-yards and announce himself as the future - and the now - of Alabama Football. He turned his first two receptions into touchdowns in his debut against Western Kentucky, and then scored his third touchdown of the young season last week in a clutch moment to help the Crimson Tide finally gain separation against USF.

Williams has drawn comparisons to all-time great Alabama receivers like Cooper and Julio Jones. His game is more similar to Cooper, but his impact on the new era of Alabama football much like Jones did when he signed with the Crimson Tide in 2008.

Williams was a long-time 'Bama commit who de-committed from the Tide once Saban announced his retirement in January. A few weeks later, Kalen DeBoer reeled the big fish back into the boat, and he's already making a massive impact in Tuscaloosa.