Arkansas RB Jonathan Williams out for season (Update)
Update: Aug. 17 – 12:45 p.m.
Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema announced Monday afternoon that senior running back Jonathan Williams will miss the entire 2015 season.
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Arkansas received some tough news on Sunday.
Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema announced that running back Jonathan Williams suffered a left foot injury during Saturday’s scrimmage and “will miss an extended period of time.” The program did not offer a specific diagnosis, but said Williams’ injury will require surgery.
“I have no doubt that Jonathan will come back stronger than ever. Anyone that knows Jonathan Williams knows this is just another opportunity for him to prove the man of character and substance that he really is,” Bielema said in a statement. “It’s an unfortunate injury to a great young man, but we are in the process of gathering as much information as possible. 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.”
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Williams, a senior, led the Razorbacks with 1,190 yards in 2014 and tied Alex Collins for the team lead with 12 touchdowns. A second-team preseason All-SEC selection, the 6-foot-1, 223-pound Williams has 2,321 career rushing yards – tenth best in program in history. He was also named to the preseason watch list for both the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards.
“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.
With Williams out, the Razorbacks will lean on Collins, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound junior. Collins has plenty of experience. On seven fewer attempts than Williams, Collins rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also had 1,026 yards and four scores as a freshman in 2013.
Coming off a 7-6 record in 2014, Arkansas (No. 16 in the Dr. Saturday Top 25) opens up at home against UTEP on Sept. 5.
For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
