Nick Saban talks Ryan Williams, reminds him of former Alabama WR

Perhaps Rece Davis said it best Saturday during “College GameDay.”

One of former Alabama coach Nick Saban’s final gifts to the Crimson Tide was the recruitment of Ryan Williams, the 17-year-old freshman from Saraland High School.

The former coach-turned-‘GameDay’ analyst broke down what separates “Hollywood” from so many others.

“Ryan Williams is a mature competitor, man,” Saban said. “He’s one of the most mature kids I’ve ever recruited. As a freshman, he showed maturity.

“What that really tells you when a guy is a mature competitor is he can focus on the things that matter. For a 17-year-old guy this guy is explosive. He’s got great hands. He can run after the catch.”

Half his catches (6) have gone for touchdowns (3) in his first two games. He leads the Crimson Tide with receiving yards (207), yards per catch (34.50) and yards per game (103.5). There is also that other number: He’s just 17.

“He’s the truth,” Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe explained during an appearance on “The Pivot.”

Milroe said what impressed him the most about Williams was he wanted the same workout at Alabama as former Tide star and NFL receiver DeVonta Smith.

Saban, however, said the freshman reminds him of another former receiver.

“I think this guy reminds me of Amari Cooper when he was a freshman,” Saban said. “I think this guy has a great career.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.