Alabama Crimson Tide freshman superstar wide receiver Ryan Williams has taken the college football world by storm this year.
Famously, Williams skipped his senior year of high school and is still just 17 years old, but that hasn’t stopped him from torching opposing cornerbacks all season long. With over 850 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns on the year, it’s been a special season for the youngster.
In recognition of his efforts, Williams has been nominated for the Shaun Alexander Award, presented annually to the most outstanding freshman in college football:
Congratulations to this year’s Shaun Alexander Award Top 5 Finalists! It’s been exciting to see the imprint that you all have made on the 2024 college football season. We look forward to seeing how you continue to leave your marks on college football.
Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama… pic.twitter.com/ruf9xgjAUv
— Shaun Alexander (@shaunalexander) December 4, 2024
Williams is nominated along with fellow star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State, South Carolina pass rusher Dylan Stewart, Texas pass rusher Colin Simmons, and Minnesota safety Koi Perich.
The award, obviously named after Crimson Tide legendary running back Shaun Alexander, has twice been won by an Alabama player. Will Anderson took home the honors in 2020 and Caleb Downs won the award last season.
The winner will be announced on Thursday, December 26.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
