Ryan Williams, one of the brightest young stars in college football’s next generation, recently made headlines when he revealed that DeVonta Smith — the legendary Alabama Crimson Tide receiver and 2020 Heisman Trophy winner — is his all-time favorite wideout from the storied program. For fans of Alabama football, it was a moment that perfectly captured the bridge between eras: the new face of the Crimson Tide acknowledging the influence of one of the most accomplished players ever to wear the crimson and white. It wasn’t just a casual statement — it spoke volumes about legacy, inspiration, and the unbroken chain of greatness that continues to define Alabama football.
Williams, who has been one of the most electrifying recruits in the country, has already drawn comparisons to Smith for his speed, precise route-running, and ability to turn any play into a highlight. When asked about the players who inspire him most, his answer came quickly and without hesitation. “DeVonta Smith, no doubt,” he said. “I’ve watched a lot of his tape, and the way he carries himself — on and off the field — that’s who I want to model myself after.” That kind of admiration is not uncommon among young receivers, but it hits differently coming from a player of Williams’ caliber, especially considering that Smith represents the pinnacle of Alabama’s wide receiver tradition.
For many Alabama fans, hearing Ryan Williams mention Smith’s name felt like déjà vu. It wasn’t too long ago that Smith himself was the young, wiry freshman making his mark in Tuscaloosa — catching the game-winning touchdown in the 2018 National Championship against Georgia as a true freshman. That single moment immortalized him in Crimson Tide lore. Over the next few seasons, Smith evolved into one of the most technically sound and productive receivers in college football history, culminating in a record-breaking 2020 season where he won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first wide receiver to do so since Desmond Howard in 1991. His smooth routes, elite body control, and unmatched football IQ set a standard that continues to inspire every young receiver that comes through the program.
Ryan Williams’ admiration for Smith is about more than just numbers or awards — it’s about the example Smith set through his discipline and professionalism. Williams has spoken openly about how he studies not only Smith’s highlights but also his habits, noting how the former Alabama star approached practice, preparation, and teamwork. “It’s not just what he did on Saturdays,” Williams said in an interview. “It’s how he carried himself Monday through Friday. That’s what made him great.” For a young athlete trying to navigate the pressures of modern recruiting and expectations, those words reveal a maturity beyond his years.
Williams, much like Smith, isn’t the biggest or most physically imposing receiver, but he shares many of the same traits that made Smith special: blazing acceleration, sharp cuts, a knack for finding space in tight coverage, and a quiet confidence that speaks louder than any celebration. Both players have something that can’t be coached — a natural feel for the game that turns routine plays into moments of brilliance. It’s no wonder that Williams sees in Smith a blueprint for how to not just succeed, but dominate.
DeVonta Smith’s influence on the next generation of Alabama receivers — and across college football — cannot be overstated. His 2020 campaign set the bar impossibly high: over 1,800 receiving yards, 23 touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy in a sport that rarely honors receivers in that way. Yet, it wasn’t just the stats that made Smith iconic — it was the grace with which he achieved them. He played with humility, worked like an underdog, and carried himself with quiet pride. Those traits resonate deeply with Williams, who’s navigating his own rise to stardom in an age of NIL deals, social media hype, and constant spotlight.
What’s striking about Ryan Williams’ admiration for Smith is that it reflects a genuine respect for the craft of football. In an era where flash and personality often overshadow fundamentals, Williams seems intent on following a path that emphasizes hard work and mastery. When asked about what specifically draws him to Smith’s game, Williams pointed to the details: “It’s the way he runs routes, the way he uses his hands, how patient he is when he releases. He doesn’t waste a single movement. Watching him, you realize football is an art.”
That mindset is what separates good players from great ones. Williams, who has already shown glimpses of generational talent, understands that greatness at Alabama isn’t inherited — it’s earned through consistency and effort. He’s not trying to be the next DeVonta Smith in name; he’s trying to follow the same process that made Smith who he is. It’s that shared mentality — that relentless pursuit of perfection — that keeps the Alabama legacy alive.
For Alabama fans, the connection between Smith and Williams carries emotional weight. It symbolizes continuity — a reassurance that the future of Crimson Tide football remains in capable hands. When Smith took the field, fans knew they were watching someone who represented everything Nick Saban’s program stood for: discipline, humility, and excellence. Now, as Williams prepares to make his mark, many see those same qualities shining through. It’s almost poetic — the Heisman winner from Amite, Louisiana, inspiring a new generation of Alabama stars who grew up watching him redefine what it meant to be a receiver in college football.
Smith’s impact also extends far beyond Tuscaloosa. His transition to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles has only strengthened his legacy, as he continues to perform at an elite level against the best defenders in the world. Williams has said that watching Smith succeed on Sundays keeps him motivated. “It shows me that if you trust the process and do things the right way, it pays off,” he said. That message, simple but powerful, captures why Smith’s influence endures — he didn’t just win awards; he showed that humility and work ethic could coexist with greatness.
Ryan Williams’ journey is still unfolding, but his acknowledgment of DeVonta Smith as his favorite Alabama wide receiver reveals the mindset of a young man who understands the importance of legacy. He’s not just looking at what Smith accomplished — he’s studying how he accomplished it. In doing so, Williams is aligning himself with the values that have made Alabama football a dynasty for over a decade. He’s embracing the idea that to be great in Tuscaloosa, you have to respect those who came before you and push yourself to live up to that standard every day.
There’s also a human element to this connection. Smith’s path wasn’t easy — he was often doubted because of his slender frame, told he was too small for the physical demands of the SEC. Yet, through resilience and precision, he turned those doubts into motivation. Williams has faced similar skepticism about his size, but like Smith, he’s letting his play do the talking. It’s that shared underdog spirit that binds the two receivers, even though they belong to different eras.
When Ryan Williams steps onto the field wearing Alabama’s iconic uniform, he won’t just be playing for himself — he’ll be representing the lineage of legends who came before him: Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, and of course, DeVonta Smith. But among that pantheon, Smith stands as the one who most closely mirrors the traits Williams aspires to embody. It’s fitting that Williams sees him as his favorite, because in many ways, their stories feel connected — the quiet confidence, the smooth execution, the refusal to be defined by others’ expectations.
As Alabama looks to maintain its dominance in the ever-changing landscape of college football, players like Ryan Williams remind fans that the culture of excellence still runs deep. His reverence for DeVonta Smith shows that he understands the weight of the jersey he’ll wear — that it’s not just about talent, but about carrying on a legacy built by those who mastered their craft with humility and grace.
In time, it’s possible that future recruits will mention Ryan Williams’ name in the same way — as the player who inspired them to chase greatness, to perfect their technique, and to believe that quiet confidence and relentless effort are the true hallmarks of a champion. But for now, Williams remains the student, studying the artistry of his favorite Alabama receiver and preparing to add his own chapter to the Crimson Tide’s storied history.
When asked recently if he thinks he could ever reach Smith’s level, Williams smiled and said, “That’s the goal. But more than that, I just want to keep getting better — every day, every rep. That’s what DeVonta did. That’s what I’m trying to do.” Those words perfectly encapsulate why Alabama continues to produce legends — because each new generation doesn’t just dream of greatness; they study it, respect it, and work tirelessly to earn their place among it.
For now, DeVonta Smith remains Ryan Williams’ all-time favorite Alabama wide receiver — a hero turned role model, a symbol of what’s possible through discipline and dedication. But if Williams continues on his current trajectory, it might not be long before he joins that same conversation himself, becoming the next name whispered with reverence in the long, proud tradition of Crimson Tide excellence. And when that day comes, somewhere, Smith will likely smile — knowing that his legacy helped light the way for the next great one.
