Ryan Williams was supposed to give Auburn football a "Freeze Five." But instead of joining Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, and Bryce Cain on the Plains to form a quintet of in-state stars at receiver, Williams stayed committed to Alabama through the coaching switch from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.
And now he's already a Crimson Tide legend.
Williams had 177 receiving yards and a game-winning touchdown against Georgia in a 41-34 instant-classic win on September 28; proving that by blazing his own trail and not following the herd, his spotlight is now brighter in Tuscaloosa. While Alabama should've closed the door after building a 28-0 lead minutes into the second quarter, they were able to thwart a comeback attempt from the Bulldogs that saw UGA take a 34-33 lead with 2:31 left in the fourth quarter with Williams' highlight-reel touchdown on the next play.
Ryan Williams is 17 years old out there making grown men look silly on 75 Yard Touchdown catch and RUN.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 29, 2024
Think I saw him “Moss” a guy then go for a find 2-split 2 into a Reggie Bush step back to a Tyreek Hill sprint down the sideline. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/z0Xt3iUvfy
Auburn, meanwhile, is 2-3 and could run the risk of losing members of the "Freeze Four" if Hugh Freeze doesn't give them a good option under center for the 2025 season.
Auburn football must be competitive against Georgia, Alabama in 2024 to prove Hugh Freeze's proof of concept
At 2-3 through the first five weeks of the 2024 season, Auburn is already running the risk of becoming a losing team. It's unclear how bad this year may get in Lee County, Alabama, but the early returns aren't promising.
While upsetting the Dawgs or the Tide is a nearly-impossible ask considering the Tigers have both on the road this fall, competing in rivalry games shouldn't be too much of an ask. Failing to do after Auburn nearly upset both at home in 2023 would represent a step back this year.
Moving in the wrong direction in Freeze's second year makes it hard for recruits to want to keep their commitment, and it could have current players looking for better NIL deals at a school that offers a better chance to win.
It'd also prove Williams right for staying on a team coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and not flipping to a program with so many unknowns now and in the future.