Extended role for Ryan Williams, WR for Alabama football? What Kalen DeBoer suggests.
As the Alabama Crimson Tide continues to evolve under head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, one player who is expected to have an extended and pivotal role in 2025 is wide receiver Ryan Williams. Williams, an electrifying talent who has steadily improved during his time in Tuscaloosa, has the potential to emerge as one of the most dynamic wideouts in the country. His speed, route-running ability, and ability to stretch the field make him a unique asset for Alabama’s offense. In this context, Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, a highly respected offensive mind known for his innovative offensive schemes, weighed in on the growing importance of Williams within Alabama’s offensive structure.
DeBoer, who has built a reputation for maximizing his players’ talents and adapting his offensive strategy to the strengths of his roster, sees a tremendous opportunity for Ryan Williams to take on a larger role in 2025. With the evolution of college football offenses, particularly Alabama’s, DeBoer’s perspective offers valuable insight into how Williams can be utilized more effectively and how the Crimson Tide can adapt to their star wide receiver’s unique skill set.
Ryan Williams: The Rising Star at Alabama
Ryan Williams entered Alabama as one of the top wide receiver recruits in the nation, and his impact on the field has been noticeable from day one. Known for his speed, precise route running, and ability to create separation from defenders, Williams quickly became a favorite target of Alabama’s quarterbacks. His ability to stretch the field vertically and his explosive acceleration make him a constant threat to defenses, and he has shown glimpses of his potential to become a game-changer.
However, while Williams has been productive in his first few seasons at Alabama, he has yet to fully step into the limelight as a true No. 1 wide receiver. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees in 2025 brings with it a shift in the way Alabama’s offense will operate. Rees is known for his pro-style offense that integrates a more balanced attack, one that relies on both the running game and passing game to keep defenses guessing. This shift presents an opportunity for Williams to expand his role within the offense and become a central figure in the Crimson Tide’s aerial attack.
Kalen DeBoer’s Perspective on Ryan Williams’ Extended Role
Kalen DeBoer, who has garnered praise for his offensive acumen at both the collegiate and professional levels, is a coach known for his ability to maximize the strengths of his playmakers. In his analysis of Alabama’s 2025 roster, DeBoer suggested that the Crimson Tide would be wise to utilize Ryan Williams as one of their primary weapons in the passing game, highlighting the receiver’s skills that make him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
“Ryan Williams is a guy who has the ability to take over games,” DeBoer said in his breakdown of Alabama’s 2025 roster. “His speed, hands, and ability to create separation down the field make him an incredibly valuable weapon in the passing game. With the talent that Alabama has at quarterback and the emphasis on a more dynamic passing game, I would expect Williams to play a larger role in 2025.”
DeBoer went on to emphasize that the key to unlocking Williams’ full potential lies in putting him in situations where he can use his explosive ability to create big plays. In particular, DeBoer believes that Alabama should make Williams a primary target on deep routes and in space, utilizing his speed to stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally. Additionally, DeBoer suggested that Williams’ ability to run precise routes should be further capitalized upon, using quick-hitting pass concepts that allow Williams to get open quickly and make plays after the catch.
“Alabama has a wealth of talent at wide receiver, but Williams brings something that not many others do: a home-run threat every time he touches the ball,” DeBoer explained. “The more you can get him involved in situations where he’s in one-on-one matchups or isolating him against slower defensive backs, the more opportunities you give him to make plays that can change the course of a game.”
Why an Extended Role Makes Sense for Ryan Williams
There are several reasons why an extended role for Ryan Williams in 2025 makes perfect sense, both for Alabama’s offensive scheme and for Williams as an individual player.
- Speed and Separation: Williams’ most dangerous weapon is undoubtedly his speed. His ability to separate from defenders, particularly in the deep passing game, makes him a prime candidate for an expanded role. In college football, where speed is often the difference between a good play and a game-changing play, Williams is a rare talent who can take the top off a defense. By utilizing Williams on deep routes, such as go-routes, post-corners, and fades, Alabama can stretch the field and create space for other players to work underneath.
- Dynamic Playmaking Ability: One of the key elements of Alabama’s offensive evolution under Tommy Rees is the integration of more dynamic playmakers into the game plan. Williams’ ability to turn short passes into explosive plays is another reason why he should see more action in 2025. In the modern game, offenses are looking for players who can make things happen after the catch, and Williams fits that mold perfectly. His agility and ability to make defenders miss in the open field will make him a dangerous asset on short routes like screens and slants, where he can use his burst to break free for big gains.
- Quarterback Transition: With Alabama likely to see a change at quarterback in 2025, it’s essential that the Crimson Tide establish a reliable set of playmakers who can consistently create opportunities for the new signal-caller. Williams, with his versatility and explosive potential, can be a safety net for an inexperienced quarterback. Whether it’s creating easy completions on quick throws or stretching the defense with deep routes, Williams will help Alabama’s new quarterback feel more comfortable in the pocket and develop a sense of confidence in the passing game.
- Increased Versatility in the Offense: Tommy Rees is known for his ability to mix up offensive concepts, and in 2025, the Alabama offense is expected to utilize a broader variety of formations and schemes. For Ryan Williams, this means more opportunities to get involved in both the traditional passing game and creative situations like jet sweeps, bubble screens, and quick-hitting passes. By incorporating Williams into different areas of the field, Alabama can take full advantage of his skill set and give opposing defenses more to worry about.
- Alabama’s Recruiting Success: The Crimson Tide’s recruitment of players like Williams underscores the emphasis on finding playmakers who can thrive in space. As Alabama continues to recruit top-tier athletes, Williams represents the kind of talent that can elevate the program’s offensive strategy and push the team into a new era of high-octane football. Rees and the coaching staff will look to Williams to be a focal point in the passing game, aligning with the program’s vision of becoming a more explosive, multifaceted offense.
How Ryan Williams Fits into Alabama’s 2025 Offensive Scheme
Tommy Rees’s 2025 offensive system at Alabama is expected to be a blend of traditional and modern concepts. Rees has shown a propensity for using a balanced attack that integrates a powerful running game with an efficient passing attack. However, in 2025, the offense will likely shift towards incorporating more spread principles, which will open up additional opportunities for Williams to shine.
One of the primary features of Rees’s offense is the use of motion and misdirection, designed to create mismatches and force defenders to play with discipline. This approach fits Williams perfectly, as his speed and quickness make him a nightmare in motion. Williams can be used in a variety of ways: as a deep threat, a short-yardage target, and even in the backfield or in jet-sweep scenarios. The ability to move Williams around will keep opposing defenses on their toes and force them to account for his whereabouts at all times.
Additionally, Williams will benefit from the improved offensive line play that Alabama is expected to have in 2025. With a strong front, the Crimson Tide will have the ability to provide their quarterbacks with more time in the pocket, allowing Williams to run deeper routes and give the quarterback a chance to locate him downfield. Alabama’s offensive line will also be key in giving Williams opportunities to make plays in space, especially on quick passes and screens.
