The Florida State Seminoles shocked the world Saturday afternoon after taking down the eight ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 31-17. The loss had the media calling for head coach Kalen DeBoer’s job just 14 games into his eight-year, $87 million contract.
His 20 minute press conference touched on many reactions from the 14 point loss and 13 point favorites, but most consequentially it offered an injury update on super star wide receiver Ryan Williams.
Williams made five catches on more than 10 targets, resulting in just 30 yards Saturday afternoon. He left the game after a controversial non targeting call with 6:07 left in the 4th quarter.
After the game coach DeBoer had this to say.
“Yeah, he got a concussion,” DeBoer said in response to the first question asked. “He got a concussion.”
Now, two days later, coach provided an update on Williams’ state.
“Ryan will go through the concussion protocol throughout the week. He’ll have a day-to-day situation,” said coach DeBoer.
The Crimson Tide will take on the University of Louisiana Monroe this Saturday. ULM is coming off a 29-0 home win last Thursday over FCS Saint Francis.
If there was ever a spot to give your best player some rest, it would be in a home matchup against a Sun Belt foe. But after Saturday, the Tide might need all hands on deck.
Kalen DeBoer Speaks On Williams Working Out Of The Slot
Last year, as a 17-year-old freshman, Williams did most of his work on the outside of the formation. Aligned as an X receiver, Williams was a big play machine. He hauled in one highlight reel catch after another and became one of the most feared deep threats in the league.
Now in his sophomore year, fans saw the receiver serving as more of a Z. He was being moved around the formation, working in the slot and going in motion frequently. This is a sign that the receiver is stepping into a more higher leverage role. If an X receiver is AJ Brown, a Z is Jamarr Chase.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer told reporters they can expect to see more of that.
“There’s just been so many bright moments with him inside,” DeBoer said. “He never really got going in the game before getting hurt. But we’ll continue to have to make sure we’re moving him around.”
Getting Williams Involved In The Run Game
Not only does DeBoer want to have Williams moving around the formation, he is excited about the prospects of getting Williams on the move post snap. He spoke on his athleticism and ability to get from one side of the field to the other while hinting at exploring a chance to get him a few hand-offs.
“He can really get matchups in our favor and pose some real problems,” DeBoer said. “You can get him deep, you can get him out in the flat quick. There’s a lot of different directions you can go… You know… getting the ball even in the run game a little bit.”
“This week will be a little trickier with him getting limited opportunities,” DeBoer concluded. “But that’s going to allow someone else to step up.”
Alabama’s Coach Update On Ryan Williams Concussion And Position Change