Ryan Coleman-Williams made his presence felt in the LSU vs. Alabama game this past Saturday, scoring a 1-yard touchdown off a brilliant play call from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb on an end-around trick play.
Coleman-Williams only recorded 14 yards on two catches in the matchup, but he had a monster 32-yard punt return that would turn into a touchdown pass from Keelon Russell to true freshman wide receiver Cedarian Morgan.
Coleman-Williams has proved his worth as a pass catcher in his time with the Crimson Tide over the last three years, with 122 catches for 1,983 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career. Coleman-Williams not only performs as a vertical threat but also as an anchor to weigh opposing defenses down. When he is on the field, defenses are so worried about him that it allows other receivers to get open or allows running lanes for Alabama rushers.
Alabama's upcoming schedule faces the No. 86 and No. 102 pass defenses in the country, who are allowing about 11 yards per completion in two of their last three opponents. With Alabama needing to win its remaining games, a veteran presence and health will play a huge factor to success, which will likely expect Coleman-Williams to have a monster day in those two games.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb talked about how he plans to utilize Coleman-Williams going forward during Monday's press conference. "Just like normal, and once he is in a spot where he can get full speed and things like that," said Grubb. "Honestly, I thought he looked better than he had prior to the injury. He's told me this is the best he's felt in a long time."
So far this season, Coleman-Williams has 25 receptions for 429 yards and four touchdowns. With Alabama's offense finally seeming to get back in a groove, it may be safe to say the college football world can expect to get vintage Coleman-Williams back.