Alabama football had to recruit Ryan Williams twice. The sophomore wide receiver, a five-star prospect out of Saraland High School, committed to the Crimson Tide once while Nick Saban was still coach, then again when Kalen DeBoer took over.

In a mini-documentary that UA released on Thursday, spotlighting the Tide’s defensive backs, Williams shared a reason why. He said the competition on the other side of the ball contributed to his choice to stick with his original commitment.

“That’s definitely something that made me make my decision to come to Alabama,” Williams said in the video. “Because I wanted to practice against the best. And I would definitely say that’s 1,000% what I’m doing every day. So, just competing against those guys, it makes Saturdays so easy.”

Williams was a star during his first year in Tuscaloosa. He finished his freshman season with 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.

He wasn’t the only Crimson Tide receiver to speak on UA’s defensive backs.

“Their focus is making turnovers,” Germie Bernard said in the video. “And I think that they do that very well. They have a lot of IQ of the game, they’re very smart, so it just makes my job a lot harder. Makes me think a little bit more and I’ve know I’ve got to bring it every day to try to get open on those guys.”

Alabama’s defensive backs look on paper like a strength of the roster. Keon Sabb returns, as does Bray Hubbard at safety, along with Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown at cornerback.

Jackson appeared in the video, and described the culture of the group entering 2025.

“Brotherhood, right?” Jackson said. “We’ve all got each other’s back no matter what.”

Alabama is set to begin preseason camp in early August. The Crimson Tide will face Florida State on the road to open the 2025 season on Aug. 30.