Alabama 5-star WR commit Ryan Williams makes history, repeats as state’s Mr. Football

In the now 42-year history of the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football Award, there has never been a repeat winner.

Until now.

Saraland 5-star wide receiver Ryan Williams was named Mr. Football for the second straight season at Tuesday’s ASWA Player of the Year Banquet in Montgomery. He led his team to back-to-back Class 6A state title games, scoring four touchdowns in each one.

“When you look at all the athletes who have come through the state in the last 42 years and no one has won it more than once, it tells you how special Ryan really is,” Saraland head coach Jeff Kelly said. “When it is all said and done, we may all look back and have him at the top of our lists of the best players in state history. This puts a cap on one of the best two-year runs we’ve ever seen, and that really is all we are talking about. Two years. Incredible.”

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Williams also was named Class 6A Back of the Year at Tuesday’s banquet, which was co-sponsored by ALFA Insurance and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association. The other finalists in that category were Williams’ teammate, Texas junior QB commit KJ Lacey, and Alabama signee and Clay-Chalkville star Jaylen Mbakwe.

“I think he is just scratching the surface of what he could possibly be down the road,” Kelly said of Williams. “He’s about to go into a new world with new challenges, but if anyone is ready to compete right now, I think he has a chance to do that.”

Williams re-committed to Alabama last week after decommitting when Nick Saban retired on Jan. 10. He will sign with the Tide next week and report this summer after completing his high school work.

“I can tell you he’s the first 16-year-old that I’ve ever discussed as a potential No. 1 overall recruit in a senior class,” longtime recruiting expert John Garcia Jr. of Rivals said. “At Rivals, we made the move to place (Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Fla. WR) Jeremiah Smith as the No. 1 recruit, and No. 1 wide receiver by default, and the biggest challenger to either post as the All-American game dust has settled is indeed Williams. He has the ideal blend of traits in the modern game -- speed, instincts, polish, ball skills and all of the production any evaluator would want to go along with it.”

Williams’ 2023 statistics weren’t quite as eye-dropping as they were in his breakout sophomore season, but they were still impressive enough. He caught 71 passes for 1,320 yards and 19 touchdowns, rushed for 269 yards, threw a touchdown pass and returned both a punt and a kickoff for scores. He also was the Alabama MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.

“In my 25 years of coaching, Ryan Williams tops the list of players I’ve been around coaching wise in terms of knowledge, athletic ability and attitude – just the whole package,” said Enterprise coach Ben Blackmon, who coached the Alabama All-Stars. “He’s got great tools as a player, but he is very personable as well and very humble.”

Williams’ decision to reclassify -- effectively turning his junior football season into his senior academic year -- won’t allow him to go for a Mr. Football three-peat in 2024.

“On one hand, another season to solidify his all-time status would have been a sight to see,” Garcia said. “On the other, getting to college so young with the ability to make a true Saturday splash at 17 years old this fall could provide even more of a stamp in the prep legend that is Ryan Williams.”

Williams also headlined the ASWA Super All-State team, the top 12 players in the state regardless of classification. He was joined on that team by Jaylen Mbakwe of Clay-Chalkville, Cam Coleman of Central-Phenix City, Alvin Henderson of Elba, Ronnie Royal of Gulf Shores, Jacob Cornejo of Cherokee County, KJ Lacey of Saraland, DJ Barber of Clay-Chalkville, KJ Jackson of St. James, Andrew Alford of Central-Phenix City, Malik Blocton of Pike Road and Caleb McCreary of Montgomery Catholic.

“It definitely means a lot,” Williams said of his second Mr. Football award. “It’s an honor and a privilege. I’m just very thankful the Alabama Sports Writers decided to choose me for this prestigious award, and I’m very thankful for my family and teammates for continuing to push me.”

Complete list of Tuesday winners:

BACKS OF THE YEAR

7A: Cam Coleman, Central-Phenix City

6A: Ryan Williams, Saraland

5A: Ronnie Royal, Gulf Shores

4A: Jacob Cornejo, Cherokee Co.

3A: KJ Jackson, St. James

2A: Preston Lancaster, Tuscaloosa Academy

1A: Alvin Henderson, Elba

AISA: Clayton Hussey, Lowndes Academy

LINEMEN OF THE YEAR

7A: Bradley Shaw, Hoover