Kalen DeBoer says ‘nothing to read into’ with Ryan Williams’ limited role in Iron Bowl

Ryan Williams didn’t receive a target during Alabama’s 27-20 win at Auburn, but Kalen DeBoer said “there’s really nothing to read into” concerning the star receiver’s usage moving forward. 

“I think there were opportunities where the ball could have found him,” DeBoer said. “Plays that, not like they’re designed specifically for him. That’s really not how a lot of our offense is. There might be screens and things like that that are intentionally trying to get touches. As far as pass concepts, we didn’t get to him in the route or things like that. We’ve got to be intentional because he’s a playmaker for us. The ball did find some other guys. They made plays, like you saw with Isaiah Horton.”

Alabama managed just 122 yards through the air during the Iron Bowl. Isaiah Horton led the way for the Tide, reeling in five receptions for 35 yards, including all three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lotzier Brooks and Germie Bernard each had three catches apiece. 

Williams got the start at receiver and took part in 38 offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the sophomore was hardly a factor, even spending several key plays on the sideline. Bernard led Alabama’s receiving group with 70 offensive snaps, while Horton was second with 53 and Brooks was just ahead of Williams with 39. Bernard led the team with 10 targets, followed by Horton (6), Brooks (4) and running back Jam Miller (3).

Through 11 games, Williams ranks second on the team with 40 receptions and 598 receiving yards while ranking third with four receiving touchdowns. During his freshman season last year, he recorded 48 receptions for a team-high 865 yards and eight touchdowns over 13 games. Williams signed with Alabama as the No. 4 overall player and No. 3 wide receiver in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. 

“We want to continue to be intentional,” DeBoer said. “Ryan does a great job for us each and every week preparing. It was no different this week.”

No. 10 Alabama (10-2, 7-1) will take on No. 4 Georgia (11-1, 7-1) in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.