Jameson Williams ejected for targeting in Iron Bowl
Star Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams was ejected from Saturday’s Iron Bowl after helmet to helmet contact on a special teams play in the second quarter. Williams is a Biletnikoff finalist and leads the Alabama offense with 1,261 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his first season.
After Auburn partially blocked Alabama’s punt, the ball fluttered to midfield. Jameson Williams, who plays special teams and offense, ran down the field and made hard helmet to helmet contact with the returner. Shortly after the play, players from both sides began pushing and shoving before referees separated the sides.
“Truthfully, the defensive player is putting himself more at risk of an injury because of the compression that that direct hit with the crown of the helmet would cause to himself,” said CBS officiating expert Gene Steratore.
Wide receiver John Metchie III now becomes the No. 1 option on offense while freshmen like Agiye Hall and Ja’Corey Brooks could crack the rotation beside Traeshon Holden and Christian Leary as Nick Saban looks for a spark.
Nick Saban on Jameson Williams
The Bryce Young to Jameson Williams connection has been electric this season for Alabama. Young is in the Heisman conversation, as he has thrown for 3,584 yards, 38 touchdowns and three interceptions with two rushing touchdowns. Williams has been his top receiver, averaging 20.6 yards per catch with 59 receptions, 1,218 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
The connection between the two stars is also huge for Alabama this season. Alabama head coach Nick Saban believes that both Young and Williams are responsible for that, as both have done everything they need to do to be in a position to succeed.
“First of all, Bryce has done a really good job managing the entire offense in terms of whether it’s getting us in the right play, throwing the ball to the right place, trying to get us in the right protection. He does a really great job at preparing in the game,” Saban said when asked about the connection between Young and Williams.
“Jameson is exactly what we looked for in the offseason. We wanted a fast, vertical threat that could take the top off a defense. A lot of the routes and big plays that he makes are designed for him because of who he is and what his skill set is. Really compliments John Metchie and some of the other receivers we have, too. I think it’s great that those guys have had an outstanding year so far and I hope they can continue to do that in the future.”