Ryan Williams is officially out of breakout-candidate territory.

He took care of that his freshman season in 2024. Specifically against Georgia.

Can Williams improve? Yes. He’s not a finished product. But he’s fully on the radar. He broke out already. The national scene is well aware of him. Look no further than the fact he’s on the cover of the next EA Sports college football video game.

So, Williams doesn’t belong on a list of potential second-year football players who could break out this season.

These five Alabama football players do.

Rico Scott, receiver

Miami transfer receiver Isaiah Horton has warranted the most buzz this offseason at receiver, but don’t let that overshadow the sizable step that Scott could make in his second season of college football. Outside of Williams, Germie Bernard and Horton, Scott could very well be at the front of the line for targets.

Daniel Hill, running back

Hill will have to compete with the likes of Jam Miller and Richard Young for opportunities, but the second-year running back made a quick impression on Alabama’s new play caller. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb raved about Hill after the spring.

“Daniel Hill I thought was one of the guys who maybe stood out as much as anybody this spring,” Grubb said. “I thought he really did a nice job. Physical runner. Very nimble for how big he is. Can stick his foot in the ground and get vertical. Excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. Showed a lot of toughness throughout spring. I thought he showed up quite a bit and improved as much as anybody out there.”

That sounds like someone primed for a breakout.

Jeremiah Beaman, defensive line

He might not be the breakout candidate on the defensive line (look to James Smith), but Beaman’s the second-year player to watch up front. He should play a bigger role in the rotation in 2025.

Zavier Mincey, defensive back

Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard will likely be at the front of the line to start at safety but expect Mincey to get opportunities at defensive back in his second season. He’s too enticing of a prospect to leave off the field. Alabama will rotate and use talented players who aren’t starters, and Mincey is high on that list.

Zabien Brown, defensive back

Yes, Brown already broke out locally during his freshman season by becoming an immediate starter and making some noteworthy plays. However, he is included on this list because he has a chance to break out nationally in his second season of college football.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for Follow him on X and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.