Could 2021 Be a Breakout Season for Xavier Williams?
With DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle headed off to the NFL, Alabama has a huge void to fill at the wide receiver position. John Metchie III will step into the No. 1 role after recording 55 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore in 2020.
Slade Bolden is the favorite to move in to the No. 2 role after stepping into the No. 3 spot for an injured Waddle. Bolden hauled in 24 catches for 270 yards and a touchdown last season.
After having a number of first-round receivers ahead of him, 2021 could be prove to be a breakout season for Xavier Williams. The Hollywood, Florida native came to Alabama as four-star wide receiver, rated as the No. 3 receiver and No. 29 player overall in the class of 2018 according to ESPN.
Williams took part in Nike’s “The Opening", Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge and played in the Under Armour All-American Game.
However, Williams has had very little impact for the Crimson Tide so far. As a freshman in 2018, Williams only appeared in one game against Louisville and did not record any stats. In 2019, he played in four contests against New Mexico State, Southern Miss, Arkansas and Western Carolina.
Williams saw in an increased role in 2020, appearing in six contests, including the final four of the season. He would catch a pass in games against Florida, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
The battle at wide receiver will be one of the more interesting storylines this spring. Williams will have to fend off a crowd of highly touted prospects behind him. Javon Baker, Traeshon Holden and Thaiu Jones-Bell are also on the roster. All three of them saw playing time in a limited role as true freshmen a year ago.
Five-star Jacorey Brooks and four-stars Agiye Hall and Christian Leary are also on campus this spring as early enrollees.
Alabama 2020 Offensive Players
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