Arkansas’ leading running back from last year is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2015 season because of a foot injury.
Senior running back Jonathan Williams injured his left foot Saturday in the team’s scrimmage and will miss an “extended period of time” according to a statement from the university.
By Cory Burrell
According to the statement, Williams will require surgery on his foot but is expected to make a full recovery.
Arkansas’ Head Coach Bret Bielema said he has “no doubt” Williams will return “stronger than ever” and added that Williams’ best interests will take priority in his recovery.
“It’s an unfortunate injury to a great young man, but we are in the process of gathering as much information as possible,” Bielema said. “There are short and long term impacts of how he proceeds and we want to make sure he does what’s best for him and his family, and his career beyond Arkansas.”
Williams said he is also optimistic his recovery will proceed smoothly.
“This is no doubt a tough moment, but I know through my faith and hard work that I will make a full recovery,” Williams said.
Last season, Williams ranked fourth in the SEC in both rushing yards (1190) and total touchdowns (14) and stood out as a dangerous ground threat for a team that gained more than half its yards and touchdowns through its rushing game. Before the 2015 season, Williams earned a spot on the All-SEC preseason second team and was named to the watch lists for the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award, honors given to the best running back and best player at the end of the season.
Optimum Scouting ranked Williams as the third-best draft-eligible running back in the SEC, calling the six-foot, 223-pound back “a big, durable rusher who runs through defenders and has good lateral quickness.”
The Razorbacks will not field a toothless offense even with Williams out for significant time, thanks in large part to junior running back Alex Collins.
Collins broke 1,000 rushing yards in both of his first two seasons at Arkansas. The junior running back put up extremely similar numbers to Williams in 2014, trailing the senior by extremely thin margins in almost every measurable category.
Despite the near-identical stat lines, Collins and Williams play two very distinct styles. Collins relies on an explosive first cut and general quickness to elude defender, as opposed to Williams’ approach of running between tackles and overpowering would-be tacklers with his size and strength.
In terms of NFL prospects, Optimum Scouting gives Collins the slight nod over Williams, placing Collins second among all draft-eligible backs in the SEC. According to Optimum Scouting, Collins could have third-round potential if he improves on his blocking and overall effectiveness on third downs.
Collins is a proven talent on offense the Razorbacks will need in Williams’ absence, but Collins alone may not be enough. Both Williams and Collins exceeded 200 carries last season, and Arkansas may look for someone to fill the role of a power back until Williams can return.
Arkansas’ roster lists five other running backs: Rawleigh Williams III (freshman), Juan Day (redshirt freshman), Denzel Evans (sophomore), Connor McPherson (sophomore), and Kody Walker (junior). Walker was the only player among the five with at least 100 rushing yards last season, with 149.
While Williams recovers, Collins, possibly alongside a group of untested underclassmen, will need to provide a major impact on offense if Arkansas hopes to stay afloat the always-competitive SEC. They kick off the season September 5th with a home game against UTEP.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
