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Tim Keenan III awestruck by Ryan Williams' play despite youth: 'I'm screaming "He's 17" too'

by: Alex Byington07/16/25_AlexByington
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Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) celebrates after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images

It became a running gag for college football play-by-play announcers calling Alabama games in 2024. Every time Ryan “Hollywood” Williams made a highlight-reel play last season, the TV announcer made it a point to immediately remind the viewing audience at home of the Crimson Tide freshman’s age.

“75 yards for the 17-year-old! Are you kidding us?” famed ABC and ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler exclaimed seconds after Williams’ acrobatic game-winning touchdown in Alabama’s 41-34 win over then-No. 2 Georgia in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28, 2024.

Williams, who didn’t turn 18 until Feb. 9 of this year, famously played all of last season as a 17-year-old — making him the youngest player at the FBS level. That came after reclassifying into the 2024 recruiting class.

Of course, it wasn’t long before the rest of the world caught on to the joke. Even Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz made light of the intense emphasis on Williams’ age.

“Is he 17?” Drinkwitz said sarcastically during a midweek press conference ahead of their 2024 game against Alabama. “It’s remarkable.”

Remarkable or not, even some of Williams’ teammates joined in on the viral bit.

Tim Keenan III on star WR Ryan Williams: ‘It’s just an honor to be his teammate’

“You know, when he makes a big play, I’m screaming ‘He’s 17’ too,” Alabama senior defensive lineman Tim Keenan III said Wednesday at SEC Media Days inside the Atlanta Omni Hotel. “Because we’re grown men now at this point. And for him to be a 17-year-old kid at the time, doing the things he was doing, it’s definitely amazing.”

Despite his well-publicized youth, Williams definitely played much older in 2024, leading the Tide in receiving as a freshman with 865 yards and eight touchdowns on 48 receptions. And while his play on Saturdays is where he made a name for himself, teammates like Keenan were already well-versed in what made “Hollywood” Williams special.

“I’d be amazed just being at practice sometimes, you do a good rush and then you look up and he’s down there with the ball sometimes,” Keenan continued. “Man, it’s just an honor to be his teammate.”

Although Williams’ age and highlight-reel plays might have been what caught everyone’s attention last season, it’s how he performs behind the scenes that has his Alabama teammates the most excited for what’s ahead in 2025.

“Behind the scenes, he is a funny guy. If ya’ll ever get to talk to him, he’s a funny, goofy guy,” junior offensive lineman Kaydn Proctor said Wednesday. “You’ve seen of TikTok dances. He’s not afraid of who he is, and I love that for him. He had great success his first (season), and I know Year Two will be even better for him.”