After Alabama football’s November loss to LSU in Baton Rouge, running back Jase McClellan used the term “bowling bowl” to describe fellow back Roydell Williams, due to the latter’s power rushing prowess. As it turned out, McClellan’s phrasing was even more accurate than it initially seemed.

On Tuesday, during the Crimson Tide’s final week of preseason camp, Williams was asked about his talents in the actual sport of bowling. According to the senior, he can do more than just roll over opponents.

“That’s just what I like to do on my off time and whenever I just feel free, I’d put some headphones on and go bowling,” Williams said. “You’ll be able to see me. That’s just what I like to do. Pretty good at it.”

His teammate, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe said he had never actually bowled against Williams. He said he did face off with the running back on the billiards table.

“It’s a lot of guys that are really good at pool, too,” Eboigbe said. “You never want to go up against (Williams).”

Bowling and pool prowess aside, Williams has a chance to play an increased role for the Crimson Tide this season. With Jahmyr Gibbs off to the NFL, Alabama has a hole at running back, and a successful 2023 will require it to be filled, especially with Nick Saban’s increased emphasis on a strong running game this season.

Saban said earlier in camp that the Tide had four players who were impressing him at running back, including McClellan, Williams, Justice Haynes and Jam Miller. He pointed at Williams as a player who the younger backs can look up to.

“Roydell has always set a really good example,” Saban said.” He’s a good special teams player, as well as a good runner. Loves to play on special teams, loves to do whatever he can to help the team.”

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The Hueytown native ran for 250 yards and four touchdowns last season. He found a role as a short-yardage back, grinding out tough inches when the Tide needed them.

As Saban said, the 5-foot-10, 214-pound Williams initially found a home on special teams for UA. He said Tuesday that he found out how important those plays are for the course of a game once he got to Alabama.

“Like (Saban) said, there’s 41 spots,” Williams said. “If you want to play on the University of Alabama football team, that’s one way to start there.”

This year, the offense will look a bit different, with Bryce Young and Gibbs gone, plus a new coordinator in Tommy Rees. Now in his senior year, Williams will continue to chip in wherever he can in the run game, whether with the ball or as a pass-blocker.

“I would say I’ve improved a little bit everywhere,” Williams said of his offseason “I wouldn’t say I was perfect in just a specific area. I work on my game throughout the summer and the spring, and just being able to strengthen all those core deals is very impactful for this team. Special teams-wise, whatever I need to do, I’ll do it. Offense, being a receiver. Pass catch out of the backfield, explosive runner, powerful runner — whatever they need to get the job done.”

The Crimson Tide opens the season Sept. 2 against Middle Tennessee State.