Ryan Williams joins a shortlist of elite Alabama legends you might not expect to accomplish this feat

“I know y’all think I’m young, but growing up, the oldest one I remember is the one with Mark Ingram,” Williams told On3. “From there to 2014, just playing those games — if I could ever be on the cover, it would mean the world to me. Just thinking back to little Ryan, that’s what they called me back home. If he got to see what was going on right now, I could only imagine how excited he would be. It’s a blessing. It’s super exciting.

“Just remembering all those memories, playing mascot mode, playing road of glory, all those memories, they all come creeping in. It almost makes you emotional, just because of how exciting it is.”

Williams joins former Alabama stars Mark Ingram (2012) and Shaun Alexander (2001) as the only Tide members to grace the cover in its history. The sophomore is coming off an electric season where he totaled 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.

Ingram became the cover athlete after his three-year career concluded at the end of the 2010 season. He left Tuscaloosa with a Heisman Trophy and National Championship from the 2009 campaign. In total, he tallied 3,931 yards and 46 touchdowns from the line of scrimmage.

Alexander didn't win a Heisman or a National Title, but he was similarly impressive throughout his career. The eventual first-round pick finished his career with 4,363 yards and 49 touchdowns.