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.
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.
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.
