To fix a surging drop rate and revive his first-round draft stock, the Crimson Tide playmaker is returning to his roots.
Ryan Coleman-Williams is approaching the most important season of his young career.
As a junior for the Alabama Crimson Tide, he has an ability to take his career to a whole new level, by joining the conversation as a first-round pick for the 2027 NFL Draft.
However, another season like his sophomore year could quickly quiet that conversation.
In his sophomore season, Coleman-Williams took a step backward. He played one more game than his freshman season, but averaged four yards less per catch, 176 less total yards, and four less receiving touchdowns.
A lot of those struggles appear to stem from his hands. So, he's trying something different to address that perceived weakness.
The gloves are coming off. Literally.
Coleman-Williams plans to start the season without wearing gloves, a notable choice for a wide receiver in today's game.
But this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment instance. He’s been doing this his whole life.
“I actually practiced with no gloves pretty much my whole life,” Coleman-Williams said. “So, I mean, since I’ve been a receiver, I’ve been practicing with no gloves.”
You look at how Coleman-Williams moves on the field, and it’s easy to see why the hype exists.
He has blazing speed, with an impressive ability to evade contact and the twitchiness that can make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
But the hands have always had a hard time catching up with the feet.
Since 2024, there have been only two receivers that have dropped more passes than Coleman-Williams, and his 13.6% drop rate last season was tied for the fifth highest among receivers that averaged at least two catches per game.
He knows there is still work to do, and he's focused on finding ways to improve every day.
“I just keep trying to find ways every single day to focus on what details that I’m gonna try to get 1% better at every day,” Coleman-Williams said. “So, just finding ways to increase my value for this team and the goals that we have for this season.”
And if it means shedding the gloves, so be it.
Cornerback Zabien Brown knows that value that his star teammate brings to the table.
“I guard him every day,” Brown said. “He has no gloves on, and he’s just a dog. I don’t even think he drinks water during practice, and he’s always rolling. I know that when I line up against him, I’m getting the best work in the country. And I’m grateful to have him on my team.”
A new side of Coleman-Williams will be on display come Saturday afternoon on a humid day in Tuscaloosa.
One that he hopes becomes a part of his identity moving forward.
