In Tuscaloosa, the Alabama football program doesn’t rebuild—it reloads. And sometimes, the torch of greatness is passed not just through film study and coaching, but from one legendary player to the next. That’s exactly what’s happening this offseason, as early enrollee wide receiver Ryan Williams, one of the most electrifying prospects in recent memory, is receiving mentorship from none other than DeVonta Smith, the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion who etched his name in Alabama lore.
For Williams, the mentorship is more than a bonus—it’s a masterclass from a man who once walked the same path and became the very blueprint for what excellence at wide receiver looks like in Tuscaloosa. For Smith, it’s a chance to give back to the program that helped shape him into an NFL star and national icon.
As Alabama transitions into the Kalen DeBoer era, this blend of past and future could be the perfect recipe for sustained dominance in 2025 and beyond.
The Rise of Ryan Williams: Alabama’s Next Star in Waiting
Ryan Williams arrives in Tuscaloosa with expectations as high as the Bryant-Denny Stadium lights on a Saturday night. A five-star recruit from Saraland High School, Williams stunned fans in 2023 with his early commitment to Alabama, decommitted briefly, and then reaffirmed his commitment after DeBoer was hired to replace Nick Saban.
Williams is more than a blue-chip talent—he’s already a household name in the state of Alabama. In high school, he terrorized defenses with a rare combination of speed, footwork, and football IQ. As a junior, he was named Mr. Football in Alabama, becoming just the second junior in history to win the award. By the end of his high school career, he’d amassed over 3,000 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns, flashing the kind of ability that drew comparisons to—you guessed it—DeVonta Smith.
Now enrolled early and participating in spring practices, Williams has quickly turned heads in the Alabama locker room. Coaches rave about his maturity. Teammates call him a “natural.” And Smith? He sees himself in the young wideout.
DeVonta Smith: From “Slim Reaper” to Mentor
When DeVonta Smith caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the 2017 National Championship Game as a freshman, he announced himself to the college football world. But it was in 2020—his senior season—where he became legendary. Smith posted 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991.
Now a star wideout for the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith hasn’t forgotten his roots. During a quiet week this offseason, he returned to Tuscaloosa to train and connect with players, especially young receivers like Williams.
“Ryan reminds me a lot of myself,” Smith told local media while visiting the Alabama facility. “He’s got that smoothness, that edge. But more importantly, he listens. That’s what sets great players apart—they’re always willing to learn.”
Smith has worked directly with Williams in workouts and film sessions. The two have spent hours dissecting defensive alignments, release techniques, and the art of route-running—a Smith specialty.
“I’m just trying to soak up every piece of advice he gives me,” Williams said. “He’s been where I want to go, and the fact that he’s taking time out of his schedule to mentor me—it’s surreal.”
Wisdom from a Champion: The Specifics of the Mentorship
So, what does a mentorship between two elite athletes look like?
First, there’s the technical aspect. Smith has been drilling Williams on how to keep defenders guessing. From stance to stride, Smith emphasizes deception—how to make every route look the same until it’s too late for the defender.
“DeVonta taught me how to control tempo in my routes,” Williams explained. “Like, sometimes you don’t need to run at full speed. Change pace, sell one direction, explode in another. It’s like chess out there.”
Second, Smith has offered insight into preparation and film study. He taught Williams how to read cornerback leverage pre-snap, how to recognize bracket coverage, and how to exploit soft zones with smart body positioning.
And lastly, there’s the mental side of the game.
Smith, who was known for his unshakeable calm in big moments, has emphasized composure to the freshman phenom. “Big-time players don’t flinch,” Smith reportedly told Williams during a one-on-one meeting. “It’s not just about making plays—it’s about expecting to make them.”
Kalen DeBoer’s Take: A Culture of Continuity
New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has been supportive of Smith’s involvement, understanding how vital it is for young players to be exposed to legends who walked the same halls.
“DeVonta is an incredible example of what this program represents,” DeBoer said after a spring practice. “He’s proof that humility, hard work, and elite preparation lead to greatness. Having him mentor Ryan is invaluable—not just for Ryan, but for our whole team.”
DeBoer, known for his offensive creativity and quarterback development, inherits a talented but transitional Alabama roster. While some older receivers like Isaiah Bond transferred out, DeBoer has placed his faith in young talents like Williams, Jalen Hale, and Kendrick Law to revitalize the wide receiver corps.
And Williams, thanks to Smith’s tutelage, is already showing signs of becoming WR1 sooner rather than later.
Building the Next Generation of Alabama Receivers
It’s no secret Alabama has become a wide receiver factory in the past decade, producing NFL stars like Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, Jaylen Waddle, and, of course, DeVonta Smith.
Ryan Williams is poised to be the next in that long line—and he knows it.
“I watch all their highlights,” Williams said. “But it’s different when you’re catching passes on the same field where they became great. You feel that standard.”
That standard is what drives the Alabama receiver room. It’s not about personal accolades. It’s about being the next link in a golden chain, a responsibility Williams seems ready to shoulder.
Even veterans on the roster are taking notice.
“Ryan’s not your typical freshman,” said junior quarterback Ty Simpson. “He’s always asking questions, always the first in line during drills. And with Smitty [DeVonta] in his ear? Man, he’s gonna be scary good.”
A Look Ahead: 2025 Season Outlook
While it’s still early, there’s a growing sense that Williams could have a breakout freshman campaign. With spring ball behind him and fall camp looming, he’s expected to compete for a starting spot right away.
The Crimson Tide’s offense under DeBoer is designed to get playmakers into space, which suits Williams’ skillset perfectly. Whether it’s jet sweeps, deep posts, or screen passes, expect the true freshman to be featured early and often.
In an era where the transfer portal and NIL have created instability across college football, Alabama’s culture remains rooted in tradition and mentorship. The relationship between Williams and Smith is proof of that continuity.
Legacy in Motion: The Power of Mentorship
There’s something deeply symbolic about a Heisman winner reaching back to guide a rising star. It speaks to the brotherhood within Alabama’s program, a place where greatness isn’t just remembered—it’s paid forward.
For DeVonta Smith, mentoring Ryan Williams is part of his legacy. For Williams, absorbing that mentorship is the beginning of his.
“I want to leave my own mark,” Williams said, “but I also want to honor the guys who came before me. DeVonta’s shown me what that looks like.”
If Williams stays healthy and continues to evolve at this pace, there’s little doubt he could one day follow in Smith’s footsteps—not just as Alabama’s next great receiver, but as a legend in his own right.
And when that time comes, perhaps he’ll return to Tuscaloosa to mentor the next phenom, passing on the same wisdom that now fuels his rise.
