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An interview with the new football coach. Source: https://x.com/coachwoody7   Scott Woodward, widely known as Coach Woody around campus, joins the Middlesex community this fall for the first time with great anticipation for the upcoming football season, taking over the head coach position of the football team. Scott Woodward comes to Middlesex having coached college football for fourteen years, nine of which were spent at the Division 1 level at University of Massachusetts, Pittsburgh University, and University of Kentucky. But, Coach Woody is quick to notice the many roles he plays at Middlesex that seem to be a breath of fresh air, all while leading a winning football team.  In his most recent role at the University of Kentucky, Coach Woody was working “100 hour weeks, and during the off season traveling six out of the seven days in the week for recruiting.”  Coach Woody explains that Middlesex offers a “slower paced” lifestyle for him, allowing him to coach football but without letting the sport “ruin his life” like it did at Kentucky.  Now, Coach Woody has the time to pursue his other interests in addition to leading the football team. Coach Woody says he enjoys the option to eat “breakfast, lunch and dinner with his family,” and can spend more time with his son, James, who often watches practices and games with the team. Coach Woody also tries to make time to golf with friends, and he looks forward to coaching the thirds golf team in the spring.  Coming into Middlesex, Coach Woody expected that he would only get to know the football team, but he has since come to appreciate the other areas in which he supports the community.  Coach Woody has developed a passion for helping the eight students he works with under Molly Gerrity in the academic support center, and Coach Woody also sees Atkins House as another home, greeting “32 kids in Atkins every week.” Central to Coach Woody’s coaching philosophy is the idea that teammates “will match the leader's energy, and if I am the leader of this team I need to come out with energy to be positive, have a smile on my face… and that can go a long way.” Perhaps contributing to this season’s drastic rise in fortune is Coach Woody’s “T.E.A.M.” acronym, which stands for “Toughness, Effort, Attitude, and Middlesex.” While this mantra is based on the football team, the message permeates the entire Middlesex community, already feeling the positivity of Scott Woodward’s vision despite the year having just begun. Ian King

Do Middlesex students make time to read The Anvil ? As the official newspaper of Middlesex, the Anvil  is ubiquitous. Throughout the campus, everyone—from students and faculty to visiting families—can pick up a copy of the latest issue to get a taste of student reporting. While faculty, alumni, and families of students frequently pick up issues, do students actually read the Anvil? Everyone seems to be at least aware  of what it is (at least from the people that I’ve asked), but not everyone has actually picked up the habit of reading it regularly. And so, I went around campus and asked people from all grade levels to see what the answer would be. And after several days of intensive (impromptu) research and investigation — after asking a total of 40 students (a 10% sample of the population) — data concluded that roughly ⅔ of all students read the Anvil regularly (i.e. 4-5 issues per year). It is worth noting that out of the people who answered yes  to this question, the proportion of people who also wrote  for the Anvil was higher than the people who answered no. Also, most people mentioned that they did not read every article in the newspaper thoroughly; they instead opted to read 2-3 articles for every issue which caught their eyes. When asked why they did not regularly read the Anvil, there were 2 common answers. The first is that the students actually cannot find the Anvil throughout campus, contrary to what is written above — they reported that the Anvil can mostly be found in Eliot, and not other academic buildings like Clay, BAP, or the RCC. In addition, they also suggested that the Anvil be placed in other locations such as StuFac or the Athletic Center, and from the suggestion of one particular student, even in the dorms. (Although that might be a bit far-fetched…) The other reason for not reading the Anvil frequently was the students’ own busy schedules. Because of the academic rigor of their classes and extracurricular activities, some students just do not get the time to check out the latest issue or to read it, as they are hurrying from class to class and finishing up their homework.  These reasons are very understandable, because Middlesex students are subject to rigorous courses and packed schedules. Yet, with a hundred years of history in its roots and a tradition of expert and eloquent writing on a variety of topics, The Anvil  represents student engagement at the highest level. In the newspaper, students from your very own dorms and classes spend their hard-wrought time and effort into making the most informative, and often beautifully written, piece of writing possible. There are a wide range of topics possible, so one of them ought to catch your eye.  After all, writing is not meant just to be kept inside classrooms and only brought up on occasion to receive English grades — it’s meant to be a source of creativity and enjoyment for yourself, as well as the gift of knowledge (and maybe even of certain emotions) for your readers. Morgan Kim

​​With seniors submitting college applications, students battling restricted assessments, and the country at large grappling with the presidential election, this time of year is loaded with uncertainty for many of us surrounding our own and our country’s futures. Amidst all this chaos, it is increasingly important that we take time to step outside the Middlesex bubble and educate ourselves on the larger world around us. In this issue of The Anvil,  we reflect upon changes on and off campus, from welcoming new faculty members to considering the potential outcomes of this heated election. The Anvil  is one of many places students can express their concerns and hopes for the future, and we encourage everyone to embody Middlesex’s word of the year, “engage,” when faced with such a turbulent time. It is easy to shy away from involving oneself in increasingly polarized discussions, but this division is exactly why we need to express ourselves and find common ground. Although the election season is a stressful time for many, it is important that we continue to seek out the good in others, and lean into the changing world around us.

Illustration by Lauren Chan As The Anvil  approaches its 120th birthday, it not only celebrates the deep-rooted tradition that embodies decades of student excellence and curiosity, but also declares the beginning of a new era. Editors-in-Chief Catherine Bain ‘25 and Jack Elworth ‘25, and faculty advisor Ms. Kennedy, discuss plans for this new year. Looking ahead, Ms. Kennedy imagines a promising future for The Anvil , one that is built upon thorough understanding and appreciation for past traditions, while still embracing the excitement of change and uncertainty. She says that upcoming issues will explore the history of The Anvil  and its influence on Middlesex for over a century, the compelling aspect of it being that everything will be investigated and voiced by student writers. Likewise, Catherine has bold aspirations for The Anvil , declaring that “One of our main goals this year is to truly expand the circle.”   Jack and Catherine work hard to make The Anvil  an organization that welcomes writers of different interests, and opinions. They plan to host brief “critique sessions” during assembly where they showcase a snippet of writing to demonstrate just how easy it is to start thinking and writing critically. “We believe that everyone has the potential to be great writers, they just need to discover that part of themselves,” says Jack.  Current chief writers looking to improve their writing can also look forward to writing workshops presented by chief and section editors.  Not only is this year a special one for The Anvil , it is also a politically significant year in the United States. Catherine and Jack are hoping to seize this opportunity to open up conversation about global events happening beyond our school community. Both editors acknowledge the lack of social and political awareness common to teenagers nowadays and seek to change that phenomenon, starting with The Anvil . Catherine remarks, “I think we are all living in this small, well-protected bubble.” At the same time, The Anvil  will continue to feature fun sections that investigate student life at Middlesex, such as the “student style column” and “student athlete of the issue.”  The paper has made it their objective to increase student readership  and are thrilled to announce opportunities for different forms of news presentation coming up on the horizon, including the much-anticipated student podcast. Website editor, Paetyn Naidoo ’25 and social media manager, Lauren Chan ’26, are key contributors in building media exposure for the Anvil. Overall, Anvil readers can certainly expect an exceptional year of high-quality journalism on both life within and beyond the Middlesex campus. Readers should also be on the lookout for exclusive content on the Anvil’s 120 years of history and engage in other exciting new projects coming along the way. Celine Ding

Exploring new and novel offerings at the school store. Photo by Max Linton All Middlesex students know about, and often take for granted, the wonderful Bookstore in the first floor of Ware Hall, run by Ms. Gleason. Whether it is to buy a notebook for English, or purchase a new Middlesex hoodie, or even just to say hi and take a piece of candy, students are constantly filing in and out of the store. There are many new additions to clothing, including hoodies in a new shade of gray, athletic quarter zips, and warm gloves to prepare for the incoming cold weather. The Bookstore also now sells dog bandanas with symbols of the Anvil decorated throughout it, an adorable accessory for man’s best friend. However, arguably the most impressive addition are the needlepoint Middlesex items from Smathers & Branson. With needlepoint luggage tags, card wallets, dog collars, and coasters, these small items would be a thoughtful and creative gift to a loved one. A needlepoint belt, also from Smathers & Branson, is also in the works. Katie Le ‘27 states that she loves going to the school store to grab a piece of candy, a simple action which usually results in a friendly conversation with Ms. Gleason. Katie recalls Ms. Gleason’s constant hospitality, describing her as “the kindest person with the warmest smile.” Cynthia Ngugi ‘27 appreciates how the store is an easily accessible place to get toiletries or items that she may need, being a boarder away from home. Cynthia also suggests a good idea for the store to sell snacks, including chips, popcorn, and juice boxes, as many boarders like to stock up on snacks in their rooms. Furthermore, Sophia Nguyen ‘27 mentions that the store’s hours of operation (10am to 2pm) are sometimes inconvenient, as she would prefer to go after the school day ends instead of during her lunch block. Not only does the school store affect the Middlesex community, it can also help the larger community of Concord and Massachusetts. Recently, the Bookstore also helped a popular organization called Kicks for Cancer raise over $3000 in total for ovarian cancer research under the planning of Avery Green ‘26 and Tyler Martinez ‘26. The school store was able to sell almost 400 of the neon pink shirts, while also helping Avery and Tyler market their cause, spread awareness, and manage the donations. Avery gives special thanks to both Ms. Gleason and Terry Cunningham for their contributions in this great cause. The school store is an amazing resource for the entire Middlesex community. Next time you walk in, make sure to express your gratitude toward all of Ms. Gleason’s hard work to organize and run the entire place. Michelle Cai

What do plaques mean to the different demographics of Middlesex, and why do we make them? Photo by Edwin E. Luciano Karen VanCleef isn’t new to the arts as they have been crucial to her life ever since her discovery of them. But, as the new Middlesex Plaque Director, VanCleef had to adjust to woodworking. Having just a year of experience, she now takes the responsibility left behind by Darby McNally: maintaining Middlesex’s best tradition. To her, plaques represent each student's individuality, capturing this school’s story from the beginning to present day. She believes plaques are a window into somebody’s world. Even if you didn’t know them, plaques serve to peer into someone’s experience. Like walking into a museum, you don't know the artist, or why they made the art. It’s up to you to learn. The founder of Middlesex saw importance in manual art, starting the tradition in the Terry Room. This is why VanCleef feels wood carving is a necessity as everyone should leave behind a mark to honor the school’s history, regardless of their interests or beliefs.  Darby McNally had been the plaque director for more than 20 years, getting to know many of the students behind the work abundantly spread around Middlesex. To her, plaques are a permanent mark. At someone’s point in life, they may be Middlesex’s best actor, but eventually, someone else will gain that title. Unlike a title, a plaque is a permanent medium to showcase your worldview and experiences. Plaques showcase the connections of family, close friends, history, and can even commemorate the deceased. Photo by Edwin E. Luciano David Andrysiak died of brain cancer in 2019 in the midst of his senior year, and his peers memorialized him through a plaque. Please, read his obituary, it is available online by simply searching his name.  Photo by Edwin E. Luciano Today’s students are excited to continue this long standing tradition. Martin Erath is a Senior from Panama He is an astounding athlete representing Cross Country as one of its captains and an avid academic  interested in both environmental science and Chinese. As a senior, working on wood carving has made Martin greatly appreciate  the hard work and intricate story behind every plaque. Even though his woodworking classes are just starting, Martin already has an idea for his own plaque. He plans to carve a scenic mountain representing the Panamanian countryside with personal details blended in, one being a signature utilizing his Chinese name (沐阳) given to him by his Chinese teacher of 3 years, Mrs. Li. Martin has chosen to utilize his plaque to pay homage to his home, culture, and teachers. Photo by Edwin E. Luciano Kimberley Guzman Flores is a Senior from New York. She is an avid wrestler, CoHead of SOL, and an artist. To her, plaques are a versatile tradition promoting student expression. Kimberley is ecstatic to create a plaque. She enjoys the class and sees it as a fantastic opportunity for students to show a more profound side of themselves. Similarly, although her woodworking classes just began, Kimberly already has a vision for her design. She plans to carve a meaningful quote from father which has helped her at Middlesex (the quote wasn’t shared with me, as she hopes to speak about the quote during a potential chapel speech). Kimberly hopes that the quote will inspire future students. Photo by Edwin E. Luciano All of these different people harbor different beliefs on what plaques are: whether it be the belief plaques are a glimpse into someones world, a showcase of the world’s changing times, a physical marker made through hard work and intricate stories, or a piece of art which showcases the deeper and unknown sides of people. These students are a mere fraction of the hundreds of different interpretations on what plaques are to Middlesex. VanCleef puts it best: the founder of Middlesex thought manual art was important, so he implemented plaques, that's where the tradition came from and that's why we make them. Traditions contribute to a sense of belonging and comfort, and the tradition of plaque at Middlesex does this well. Edwin E. Luciano

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are at the heart of Middlesex's values. Through the dedicated efforts of the DEI office, DEI officers, and the inclusive culture we foster on campus, we, the Middlesex community, are steadfast in our commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. As articulated on the Middlesex website, we uphold the ideal of ‘finding the promise' in every student, as envisioned by our school founder, Fredrick Winsor. We work collaboratively in an environment of mutual trust and shared responsibility to help students realize their full potential. With this principle, and Middlesex's DEI-driven mission in mind, the DEI office plays a pivotal role in hosting the Racial Equity Project (REP). In this year’s REP performance, there were a plethora of scenes that highlighted how race plays a role in student dynamics. In one scene, the actors explored the impact of insults for “comedic purposes”. Another moment focused on discrimination towards a Latin American actor around food that is part of his culture. While these scenes were uncomfortable, they marked the real and prevalent issue of racial discrimination that plagues the Middlesex community. Racism and discrimination exist, and many of these situations were based on real life examples. REP starts conversations which challenge preconceived stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding among students. By engaging in these difficult yet essential discussions, we continue to strengthen our commitment to create a more inclusive and supportive community. I participated in the debrief conversations following the REP performance, and I witnessed firsthand how deeply these issues resonated with the students. As a co-head of the South Asian Affinity Group (SAAG), I bring a nuanced perspective to these situations, with the above topics hitting close to home for me and fellow SAAG members. While these discussions can sometimes be uncomfortable and awkward, they are necessary for informing the Middlesex community on the gravity of these topics. Ultimately, through this charged performance, and continued follow-up discussions, we can take steps towards building a healthier, more diverse, and happier Middlesex community. Nik Rizvi

Politics Club and Women in Politics Club provide an open forum for productive dialogue across political differences. As the political temperature heats up with the upcoming presidential election, campuses across America are engaging in political discourse more fervently than ever. Not far behind this trend is the Politics Club and Womens in Politics club. The two clubs’ current heads are working to make sure that Middlesex students remain informed and curious about the upcoming election.  In a world in which the subject of politics is so polarizing and our government representatives are often abusive towards one another, it can be hard to create a space where politics can be an informative conversation, rather than a threatening one. Politics Club seeks to bridge the gap between Democratic and Republican ideals, and find a middle ground where debate and disagreement can flourish, as club head Caio Bernadini states, “ It's important for the Middlesex community to have a space that allows for candid dialogue and debate.”  With the responsibility that comes with engaging in such sensitive topics, that may affect individuals of all political standings, also comes with the challenge of leading discussion in a way to not change one's beliefs but challenge them through healthy discourse. Of course, to cater to all demographics who participate in meetings is “a really tough task.” However, the heads believe that their varying political affiliations “cancel each other out,” lending to a more empathetic environment for discussion. Despite their persistent efforts to make the club as inclusive and neutral as possible, the heads expressed the difficulties they face with keeping emotion out of the discussion. “They do not want debate to expand into insults of character or beliefs,” similarly to how our elected officials behave toward one another.  Historically, Politics Club has been a male dominated space, in which some girls may feel intimidated to use their voices and express their opinions. This is why senior Sofia Senunas has introduced Womens in Politics Club to the Middlesex community, a place in which women can feel comfortable to voice their opinions without fear of judgment. Senunas observed from her own experience that “girls can feel like they don’t have the knowledge or the capacity to speak up at Politics Club” and therefore shy away from conversation. Senunas noted that systemically, politics has been hostile for women; with issues such as abortions and women’s rights on a rapid incline, girls are seeking a place where they can openly discuss these matters.  Ultimately, Women in Politics Club is not a counter to Politics Club, but a partnership. The heads of each club have discussed ways to work to inform and educate Middlesex together–Senunas noted plans for a weekly current events announcement. Both clubs are instrumental for the Middlesex community to think critically and with compassion so that our campus is composed of a more informed citizenry. Kat Stephens

Exploring the routines, preferences, and interests that unite our diverse student body. The Anvil  randomly selected two students to be interviewed for their hometown, interests, favorites of the school year, morning routines, and food preferences in the Dining Hall, giving us an insightful look into their lives. The first student we selected was sophomore Celine Ding. She is from Hong Kong and lives in Kravis. Every morning, she wakes up at seven and prepares for the day. She insists on having a large breakfast, explaining, “If I don’t, I get really hungry.” She opts for a yogurt bowl or an omelet. Her all-time favorite meal is when the dining hall offers tacos.  She is trying out for cross country for the first time. Last winter, she danced, and this year, she hopes to try out for squash. During the spring, she played ultimate frisbee, but she is hoping to try a new sport this upcoming season. She is co-head of the Health Club along with Sixing. Recently, Health Club had a very popular event in which they served açai bowls in Ware, topped with chocolate and granola. In her free time, Celine enjoys playing the flute and napping (separately). This year, one of her favorite subjects has been English with Jecca because she likes reading the Iliad , saying, “[it’s a] really fun class.” She also enjoys Spanish, and even though it is a challenging class, she loves learning about the cultural aspects of the language. So far, her favorite thing about the school year has been the beauty of the campus–especially the foliage. According to Celine, “the fall leaves are beautiful.” The second student The Anvil  interviewed was senior Olly Mylon, a day student from Concord. In the morning, he wakes up an hour before leaving at around 6:30, eats at home, and showers. He says that he “likes to take his time in the morning.” If he does eat breakfast at school, he likes to get pancakes, tater tots, roasted potatoes, and fruit. His favorite Flik meal so far has been the flank steak. His two main sports are soccer and track, and he is the captain of both teams. He is part of the Sports Psychology Club and the Fishing Club. He also played the piano for eight years and the ukulele for three years. He is interested in STEM–especially math. He also enjoys visual studies and took an advanced painting and drawing class last year.  Actively involved in campus life, Olly is the head of the AZN, a DEI officer, a head tour guide, a peer tutor, and an editor of DNA-MX, the school’s science magazine; and a member of both the Sports Psychology Club and Fishing Club.  His favorite parts of the year so far have been being on the soccer team and being a senior. He says, “I like watching our grade get closer.” During a free block, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, going to the dining hall for a snack, and finishing his work. While Middlesex students can sometimes lead insular social lives revolving around the same set of people, it is beneficial to understand the routines, passions, and preferences that unite our school. Often, Middlesex students have more in common with each other than they think. Allison Luo

Did The College Football National Championship Happen in October?: The Alabama v. Georgia Football Game that Left Tuscaloosa in Madness  Frazier v. Ali, Bird v. Johnson, Red Sox v. Yankees, Duke v. North Carolina. Why not add one more rivalry - the Alabama Crimson Tide v. the Georgia Bulldogs.   Alabama football is undoubtedly a powerhouse. With 30 conference championships, 15 national championships, four Heisman Trophy winners, and the second most wins in college football history, Alabama has set the standard for how to dominate on the field. However, with Nick Saban, the long-time Alabama coach, retiring after last season, the program’s future is under question. Kalen DeBoer, the former University of Washington head coach, has taken over the reins in Tuscaloosa, leading Alabama to an early 3-0 record through their bye week. Entering the long-awaited matchup against the University of Georgia, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe recorded 746 total yards and 14 total touchdowns, commanding the offense to over 40 points in each of their past three games. The commencement of Alabama’s season couldn’t have gone better, but Alabama’s true test was still on the horizon.   On the other hand, Alabama’s opponent prepared for the battle as well. The Georgia Bulldogs, ranked number two in CFB polls, kicked off their season in typical Georgia fashion - undefeated. The men in Athens have dominated the college scene for the past seven years under head coach Kirby Smart, recording an 86-11 record since 2017. The Bulldogs have also won back-to-back championships during the 2021 and 2022 seasons and produced 19 first round NFL draft picks this decade (Saturday Down South). Georgia has a tremendous amount of talent on the team to say the least. Quarterback Carson Beck is heavily favored to win the Heisman Trophy and Mykel Williams is predicted to go in the first round of the draft in April. With both teams coming off of their bye weeks, Alabama v. Georgia was set to kickoff at 7:30 PM. Alabama took an unexpected 28-point lead by the start of the second quarter, holding Georgia to zero points for the majority of the first half. In this time, Jalen Milroe recorded two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown in the first 30 minutes of play. Alabama blew Georgia out of the water and left Carson Beck with two interceptions entering halftime. The game seemed to be over as Alabama’s offense ran through Georgia’s defensive scheme.    With many viewers turning off their televisions and Georgia fans in complete disbelief from their team’s breakdown, Georgia returned to their normal form of play and crept back into the game. Beck threw for 439 yards and three touchdowns, giving Georgia the lead in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. Alabama had let the Bulldogs hang around and couldn’t figure out a way to extinguish the fire brewing on the Georgia sideline. Now with the game on the line, Jalen Milroe desperately needed to step up or else Georgia's comeback would be engraved in the record books. Jalen Milroe did just that. With one throw on the Crimson Tides’ 25-yard line, Milroe connected with Ryan Williams, a 17-year-old freshman, to score a 75-yard touchdown to win the game. Alongside star wide-receiver Ryan Williams’ 177 reception yards, Milroe ended the day with almost 500 total yards and four touchdowns to take down number two ranked Georgia. This seemingly lopsided game in the first half turned out to be a complete thriller by the end of the game, demonstrating the electric atmosphere that SEC football brings to each Saturday. Although the game is over, this won’t be the last time Alabama and Georgia face off this season. The two powerhouses are bound to meet again either in the 12 team college football playoffs or during the SEC postseason. For now, though, ESPN ranks Alabama as the number one team in the nation, while Georgia falls to the fifth spot.  There is no place like college football. Marked by a game of inches and a sport filled with passionate fans, one night in Tuscaloosa can change the direction of the whole season.    Ryan Wolff

Cole Palmer is an incredible young talent in the Premier league, known for his dynamic play and impressive soccer IQ. Palmer was born on May 6, 2002, in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Palmer joined Manchester City’s academy at a young age, where he developed his skills and showcased his potential. A versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, he made his debut for Manchester City in 2020.  Cole Palmer ‘s transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea was a transition point for both the player and the club, creating a significant shift in his career trajectory. After playing with City, where he mastered his skills among some of the world’s best talent under Pep Guardiola, Palmer found himself in a position where there was a lot of competition for a spot in the starting eleven. Despite his immense potential, he recognized that he needed a change, an opportunity to display his talent to the world.  The move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 was a crucial decision for Palmer and the club. After a long period of low points, Chelsea had been in a rebuilding phase, eagerly searching for a talented player to recover in a challenging season. By bringing in a young, dynamic player like Palmer, they aimed to add a refined player into their attack. Chelsea fans were excited about the transfer, seeing Palmer not just as a talented player but as a potential superstar in a new Chelsea era. Since his arrival, Palmer has quickly become a key player for Chelsea. His technical skills, vision, and ability to move the ball rapidly around the defender make him an essential part of the team. Palmer’s versatility allows him to play in various attacking positions, and his high soccer IQ helps him make impactful plays under pressure. Since breaking into the Chelsea first team, he has contributed with important goals and assists, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive player. Palmer demonstrated his incredible talent by scoring 22 goals and giving out 11 assists in his first season at Chelsea. As he gains more experience, he is likely to continue developing and make a significant impact in the League. In 2024, Palmer's second year in Chelsea, the young superstar has already shown his incredible potential on the field. Only 7 games have been played in the League, and Palmer is already ranked second on both the scoring and assist boards with 6 goals and 5 assists. More importantly, during the game against Brighton on Sat, Sep 28, Palmer’s outstanding performance shocked the world; by scoring 4 goals in the first half, he set a new Premier League record. After scoring, Palmer ran to the corner flag to celebrate with his signature “cold” celebration.  In a league where young talents often struggle to find their footing, “cold” Palmer stands out. His outstanding skills, performance and passion makes him the ideal candidate that Chelsea was scouting for. As he grows into his role, both he and Chelsea are moving towards a bright future. Tiger Wu

The story behind the viral 17 year-old true freshman at Alabama. Ryan Williams is taking the internet by storm after his spectacular performance in an incredible Georgia-Alabama game this past Saturday. In one the biggest games of the year he had 6 receptions for 177 yards while running late in the fourth quarter for a jaw-dropping 75-yard touchdown at just 17 years of age. At just 17 years old, Ryan Williams decided to reclass and skip his final year of high school and head off to Alabama early, where he is starting and dominating as a true freshman. While still in high school, he was putting up video game-like numbers with 1078 rushing yards, averaging 11.5 yards per carry; at receiver, he had 3254 receiving yards, with 187 catches, averaging 17.4 yards with 47 touchdowns. Furthermore, his 22-23 season was unfathomable, with 2387 total yards and 39 touchdowns. Overall, he was unstoppable and unguardable in high school football, scoring 71 touchdowns and 4440 total yards. He was the first two-time winner of Alabama's Mr. Football Award. With such dominance in high school football in Alabama, one of the most competitive states, he looked for a more challenging environment by reclassing and skipping his senior season and heading to Alabama at just 17 years old. At Alabama, he has made his mark by winning the starting spot and then dominating his true freshman season with 544 yards and six touchdowns in the first five games of the season. He ranked first in all of college football with an average of 28.9 yards per catch and second in the SEC for yards per game, total yards, and touchdowns. Additionally, after his monster game against Georgia, he is in contention for the Heisman trophy, and his NIL evaluation nearly doubled to 1.5 million, now one of the highest in college sports. Ryan Williams is just one part of the stacked Bama offense, with their QB being Jalen Milroe, the clear front-runner for the Heisman this year, and a hoard of other extremely talented wide receivers like Germie Brenard and Kobe Prentice, in combination with these players to make Alabama a top 20 offense. Despite coming off a spectacular win against No. 2 Georgia, the AP number one team in the country, and not having lost to Vanderbilt since Ronald Reagan was president, Vanderbilt pulled off the impossible and beat Alabama for the first time in more than four decades, the first time to beat the number one team in country in the programs history. Despite this shocking loss, Ryan Williams still balled out with three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. While not his most breathtaking performance against Georgia, he still played exceptionally well and helped out the team vastly even though Alabama fell short of the win. Ryan Williams is undeniably the future of college football for the next three years before the NFL. He is just 17 years old and is dominating one of the most competitive conferences in college football; he is the face of college football and will most likely win the Heisman trophy down the line. Furthermore, if he chooses to get drafted in his junior year, he undoubtedly will be a first-round pick and one of the youngest players ever to be drafted at only 20 years old. While it is still too early to tell if Ryan Williams is going to be one of the greats, it seems very likely that we have found the next great generational receiver that will take the SEC, NFL, and potentially the Hall of Fame by storm in the years to come. Timmy Hale