What Nick Saban thought of Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe’s podcast idea

It's a new day for Alabama football . Not only did two freshmen talk to reporters on Friday , the youngsters also have their own podcast.

Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe host New Wave together, from the outside a total shift in strategy from Nick Saban's desire to keep his youngest players behind locked doors. It's a show that originated multiple years ago, with the plan getting more realistic in January, when both Williams and Mbakwe played in the Under Armour All-America game.

"We were in front of cameras a lot," Mbakwe said. "And we just both said we need to start a podcast, so that's just kind of how it came about."

Though the podcast seems antithetical to Saban's philosophy, according to Williams, it had the ex-coach's blessing. During their recruitment process, the young receiver and cornerback mentioned the idea to Saban.

"He gave us a little, just like 'Yeah, that's a good idea,'" Williams said. "Because he told us there was going to be a new (NIL) center. That was last year during our recruiting process. We were gonna do it in a dorm and everybody just kept supporting us, and Alabama has done a great job of allowing us to express ourselves, and just share it on platform."

Alabama produces the podcast in-house. According to a release announcing the show, Walt Brock and Preston Adelman, UA's director and associate director of creative for football, lead the effort.

So far, two episodes of the show have been released. The two record a new episode every other week.

Alabama general manager Courtney Morgan was their first guest. According to Mbakwe, the two have spoken with former Crimson Tide and current Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton about making an appearance as well.

The young corner also said he and Williams would love to get Saban himself on the show one day.

"Hopefully sooner than later man," Mbakwe said. "Everybody wants coach Saban on there, so it's a possibility that we get him."

Williams has already become one of Alabama's stars on offense. Mbakwe is working his way into the defensive rotation at corner, and has become the Tide's primary punt returner with Cole Adams injured.

The true test for UA is coming, as SEC play begins on Sept. 28 when Georgia comes to town. Still, sitting at 3-0 following a road win at Wisconsin, the two freshmen, both five-star prospects from the state of Alabama, are enjoying themselves.

"It's a privilege and an honor to be able to do it my freshman year," Williams said of embracing his role as a star at Alabama. "And I appreciate coach (Kalen) DeBoer for that."

Alabama and Georgia are set to face off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Sept. 28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on ABC.