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Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer's Honest Assessment On Ryan Williams After Injury Scare

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 14, 2025 1:01 PM ET

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer believes that star wide receiver Ryan Williams needs to get better in one area after missing some time this spring due to injury.

There isn't a more notable name returning on the Crimson Tide's offense than Williams, who broke out as a true freshman in 2024.

The former five-star and Alabama native earned Freshman All-America honors after totaling 84 catches for 865 yards with eight touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground in 13 games.

As Alabama searches for its next starting quarterback following the NFL departure of Jalen Milroe, Williams remains as the anchor of the passing game. However, his spring didn't go quite as planned, as he was limited by undisclosed injuries.

DeBoer updated Williams' situation on Wednesday during an appearance on "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning."

It appears that Williams will be good to go this summer, but Alabama's staff wants to see Williams get stronger to get through the 2025 season unscathed.

The Tide's official website lists Williams at 6-foot, 175 pounds.

"Unfortunately at the end of spring ball, he suffered a little bit of a ding," DeBoer said. He'll be fine. He'll be ready to roll here this summer. But going back all the way to January, just kind of him understanding – even from last season – where he needed to get better. It's being stronger."

A lot was made about Williams being just 17-years-old when he put together one of the best true freshman seasons in Alabama history last year.

"He's just younger," DeBoer said. "The body maturing, and then him putting the work in – just being stronger, more durable, those types of things."

The good news is that Williams has ample time to improve his durability before the season kicks off against Florida State. That matchup will take place on Aug. 30 in Tallahassee.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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