Over the past two weeks the finalists or winners for some of the most prestigious awards in college football have been revealed.
Earlier this week the finalists for the Shaun Alexander Award, given to the nation’s top freshman, were announced. Alexander issued a statement in a press release congratulating the finalists.
“Congratulations to this year’s Shaun Alexander Award Top 5 Finalists,” Alexander said in the press release. “I’ve enjoyed watching this year’s top 5 impact college football as they have put on some of the best collegiate performances I’ve seen this season. I’m confident these guys will continue to perform at an elite level for years to come. Good luck to the winner!” Ryan Williams.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2).
Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Among the finalists was Alabama star wide receiver Ryan Williams, who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old. The other four finalists are Minnesota safety Koi Perich, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart and Texas edge Colin Simmons.
Alabama announced the news with a post on Thursday morning.
Williams could become the third Alabama player to win the award joining the likes of star pass rusher Will Anderson and safety Caleb Downs – who is headed to the playoff with the Ohio State Buckeyes this year after transferring following Nick Saban’s abrupt retirement.
The star wide receiver wasn’t just one of the most impressive freshman of the 2024 season, he was arguably the electric wide receiver over the first five games of the season. He racked up 19 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns in the first five weeks, putting him on a ridiculous pace.
While he slowed down over the final seven games of the season he still finished his freshman season with 45 receptions for 857 yards and eight touchdowns.
Now he and the Crimson Tide will wait to see if they’ll make the College Football Playoff or head to a bowl game.
