Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams was instrumental in the No. 4 Crimson Tide’s 20-9 win against the LSU Tigers in Week 11 of college football action. After a three-game drought without a touchdown, Williams notched one alongside 33 receiving yards on three receptions.
Ryan Williams Details Advice From Alabama Great
During his weekly news conference ahead of the Crimson Tide’s clash against the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners, Williams revealed that he got advice from Bama great Julio Jones, who was on the sidelines at the Bryant-Denny Stadium for the clash against LSU.
“We were just talking about a couple of basic things just to help out in routes and when the ball is in the air,” Williams said. “Nothing too serious. [We spoke] last year, a couple of times before then. It’s a blessing to be put in that conversation just because, honestly, it just means a lot. ”
He then highlighted the golden words: “All of the work that I’ve been doing up until this point has paid off to a degree. But I still have to put the work in to have the outcome or a better outcome than he had.” This literally translates to ‘consistent efforts provide results.’
Ryan Williams said legendary Alabama WR and fellow south Alabama native Julio Jones gave him advice before the LSU game.
“Just a couple basic things, just to help out in routes and when the ball is in the air.”
Williams says the two have talked frequently and he’s looked up to… pic.twitter.com/M5pfZxO7V5
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) November 11, 2025
Jones was a key member of former Alabama coach Nick Saban’s first national championship in 2009, before he was selected No. 6 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
Williams Has Molded His Game to Julio Jones
When Williams committed to the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, he was immediately compared to the legendary Jones by fans. While a few commits decommitted from the program when Saban unexpectedly retired in January 2024, Williams initially did the same before being convinced by coach Kalen DeBoer to remain in Tuscaloosa.
During his news conference on Tuesday, Williams detailed how he has tried to mold his game to Jones, who was a seven-time Pro Bowler.
“Definitely his physicality and mentality on each individual play,” Williams said. “He plays like it’s his last play every play, and you can definitely tell he loves football. Just continue to have the attitude of gratitude day in and day out. You just see it in the film and you can’t wipe that away. When you turn on his tape, you can’t miss it.”
READ MORE: Heisman Trophy Rankings: 5 Players Who Strengthened Their Resume in Week 11
Williams exploded into the college football consciousness as a freshman and, alongside Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, was dubbed one of the most exciting freshmen in the country. Currently, Williams is ranked 36th among all WRs according to PFSN’s College Wide Receiver Impact with a score of 80.1.
While Smith has continued his national championship-winning form, Williams has struggled with injuries and form this season, but has still tallied 528 receiving yards on 36 receptions, resulting in four touchdowns.
