Hueytown junior running back Roydell Williams is keeping his options open entering his final high school season.

“But my heart is all Alabama right now,” he said at the Alabama Sports Writers Association Mr. Football Banquet on Tuesday in Montgomery.

The 4-star running back committed to Alabama over in-state rival Auburn in late November following a standout season.

Williams (5-10, 205) rushed for 2,757 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2018 in helping the Golden Gophers to a 9-3 season and the Class 6A, Region 4 title. He was a first-team All-State selection, a finalist for Class 6A Back of the Year and a member of this year’s ASWA Super 12.

“I just have to give all my thanks to the guys up front,” he said Tuesday. “They are the ones who did a lot of the work. We aren’t satisfied, though.

“I’m expecting an even better year next year. I know I have to put in the work throughout the spring and the summer. I know my teammates will be working hard as well and our goal is to go further in the playoffs and maybe reach the state championship.”

Williams is currently ranked No. 11 among Alabama’s top 2020 prospects, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He has called Alabama his “dream school” and said Tuesday that his decision just felt natural.

“I just felt like, in my heart, it was the place for me,” Williams said of Tuscaloosa. “I’ve been an Alabama fan my whole life. I feel like it was the best move for my family and I.”

One of the highlights in Williams’ junior season came when he ran for 358 yards and five touchdowns in a 38-13 victory over Eufaula in the first round of the playoffs. The Golden Gophers were eliminated in the second round by eventual state runner-up Saraland.

He said Alabama’s tradition made all the difference for him in deciding his future.

“You just look at the names that have come out of that backfield in recent years – Mark Ingram, Eddie Lacy, Derrick Henry,” Williams said. “Some of the best guys in the nation. Two Heisman Trophies. So that was a factor.

“Also, coach (Nick) Saban obviously has been very consistent with the team and with the offense. I feel like he runs everything well, and that is a program I want to be a part of.”