Ryan Williams on Saban’s retirement: ‘It shattered my whole recruiting process’

Ryan Williams was just a recruit when Nick Saban retired, months from reporting to Tuscaloosa.

The Alabama freshman receiver recently told Keyshawn Johnson just how much the former Alabama coach’s retirement impacted him.

“When he retired, it shattered my whole recruiting process,” Williams said. “I was born and raised in Alabama. I’m just like, ‘Man, what am I going to do now?’”

Williams said it was his high school coach, Saraland’s Jeff Kelly, who urged the receiver to give new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer a chance.

The decision has paid off for the 17-year-old, who leads Alabama with 37 catches for a team-high 731 yards and seven touchdowns.

“The offense fit perfectly for a receiver,” Williams said. “I was just like there ain’t no reason to leave.”