Alabama WR Ryan Williams' breakout season could reach another level of stardom following latest nomination
Despite the low tide that has overtaken Alabama following a disastrous loss against Vandy, there is still plenty to be bullish about in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps no one has higher stock than freshman sensation Ryan Williams who after six weeks of play, is turning heads as one of the best WRs in the nation and at […]
Despite the low tide that has overtaken Alabama following a disastrous loss against Vandy, there is still plenty to be bullish about in Tuscaloosa.
Perhaps no one has higher stock than freshman sensation Ryan Williams who after six weeks of play, is turning heads as one of the best WRs in the nation and at only 17 years old.
Well, now the Biletnikoff award, a trophy given to the nation's best pass catcher reflects the eye test and box score:
Ryan Williams Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List
The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, split end, inside receiver, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes the outstanding receiver, not merely the outstanding wide receiver. The award recipient is selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, and former receivers.
– Biletnikoff Award
The single most impressive stat this season for Willaims is average yards per catch. Sure he already has seven total TDs and over 500 receiving yards, but he only has 19 catches. That means he averages a mind-numbing 28.6 yards per catch, and he's catching a TD pass every three receptions.
If you looked up the definition of explosive in terms of football, it should have a picture Ryan Williams. To average nearly 30 yards a catch is so unfathomable, that he had to be added to the list.
Now, for Williams to bring home the hardware, he's going to have to double down on the start of his season and maybe even go above. In the history of the award, only one true freshman has ever won, Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech in 2007.
But regardless of who wins, to be named in midseason, as a true freshman at only 17 years old to a watchlist of the best pass catchers in the nation is a win in itself. What Williams is doing is so impressive, that some believe the NFL should re-do their draft rules so he can join early:
It feels wrong that both of these players [Ryan Williams and OSU freshman Jeremiah Smith] will have to wait until the 2027 NFL Draft. Both of these players have the ability and size to play in the NFL right now. It's not like the 1980s when you'd get receivers going to college at 165 lbs and they would have to grow into their bodies. In modern-day college football, the top prospects are often fully developed and can handle the physical nature of the NFL.
Why not find a way to allow these superstar players to go to the NFL earlier than three seasons removed from high school? The NFL isn't quite like baseball, hockey or basketball where the game is significantly more physical at its highest level than it is at its lower levels. How do you allow players who deserve to go to the league because they are ready without allowing everyone?
Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
So time will tell just how great Williams can be, but the nomination is just another feather in a cap that he shouldn't even be wearing yet.
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