‘So glad he’s on our side’: Kalen DeBoer has high praise for Alabama wide receiver

TAMPA, Fla. (WBRC) - Ryan Coleman-Williams is heading into his third season in Tuscaloosa and is looking to get back to his old form from his freshman season.

Despite a tough sophomore season, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer said tough experiences have allowed Coleman-Williams to advance to the next step.

“I think they experiences that you just naturally go through are what have led him to being able to take the next steps. It’s easy when it’s going well, but when you have some adversity, especially when you’re highlighted like he is.. you know, we’re all human, right? Him being able to stay strong, continue to focus on what he needs to improve on, but what he can control, is just so impressive.”

DeBoer said Coleman-Williams being able to learn more about himself has helped him improve in the offseason.

“One thing that he’s been able to do this year, it wasn’t because he wasn’t trying to do a year ago, but between being healthier this year in the offseason, and also understanding his body better, and actually a year older too, he’s put on some weight and I think that’s helped in a lot of different ways. I think it helps with your confidence, your ability to move, I think it’s going to help with his ability out there in the field from a physicality standpoint too. He’s just worked extremely hard. He’s been as locked in as you could ever imagine. I hope our people appreciate that about him. There are a lot of eyeballs on him, he signed up for it, he’s great with it. He embraces it. He gives everything he has to his teammates. He gives everything he has to people he comes in contact with. I love the guy. I’m so glad he’s on our side.”

In his two years so far in Tuscaloosa, Coleman-Williams has amassed over 1,500 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

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