Ryan Williams, a wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide, was announced as a semifinalist for the 2024 Shaun Alexander Award on Wednesday, in the middle of an absolutely incredible true freshman campaign.
Williams is the only player from Alabama to be selected a semifinalist for the award, which honors the best freshman in college football. Caleb Downs, the former safety who won the award in 2023, was Alabama’s most recent recipient.
With 35 receptions for 702 yards and seven touchdowns, which leads the SEC, Williams has emerged as Alabama’s premier wide receiver thus far this season. Williams has returned four punts for 31 yards, two kickoffs for 14 yards, and rushed for a touchdown on his one and only try. He averages 20.1 yards per grab.
It is quite possible that Williams will surpass 1,000 yards for the season in the final four games of the regular season. Would it be sufficient for the freshman to eventually win the Shaun Alexander Award if Williams did that as well?