Ty’Son Williams Foregoes Potential Sixth Season To Declare For NFL Draft
Dec 26, 2019, 6:05 PM | Updated: 9:02 pm
Brigham Young Cougars running back Ty'Son Williams (5) runs against USC Trojans in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. BYU won 30-27 in overtime. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – There was a sliver of hope that maybe running back Ty’Son Williams would be back on BYU’s roster in 2020. That hope is now gone as Williams announced he’s declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft.
“After talking to my family, friends and coaches I have decided to forgo a sixth season and pursue my lifelong dream. I will be declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft,” said Williams on his personal Twitter account.
— Ty'Son Williams (@juicewilliams__) December 27, 2019
Williams transferred to BYU from the University of South Carolina as a graduate transfer and played in four games as the Cougars starting running back. In the four games, Williams rushed for 264 yards on 49 carries and had three touchdowns before suffering a season-ending ACL injury against Washington.
“To my coaches, thank you for believing in me and always making sure I was at my best every moment we were together,” said Williams. “To my lifelong brothers, thank y’all. The laughs and times we had together competing will always be remembered and cherished. To my family, thank you for supporting me no matter the team I chose to play for or how many times I wanted [somthing] different. Truly the reason why I go and try to put myself in the best possible position.”
After suffering an ACL injury, Williams’ career was likely over at BYU, but there was a possibility that he could apply for a medical waiver from the NCAA. Earlier this month, head coach Kalani Sitake said that Williams’ waiver request was in the “hands of the NCAA.” The likelihood of Williams receiving the waiver was slim if he was to go through the process.
Ty'Son Williams was a special player for #BYU. It's too bad he didn't have the chance to play in more than four games.
Have to think #BYU's 2019 final record would have seen a few more games in the win column. #BYUFootball #KSLsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 27, 2019
Prior to the 2019 season, Williams was a “player to watch” for the Senior Bowl. No timetable has been given for how long Williams will be sidelined with his ACL injury.
The NFL Scouting Combine begins February 25th and runs through March 2nd and BYU holds its own Pro Day typically in late March or early April.
BYU’s last running back selected in the NFL Draft was three years ago when Jamaal Williams was selected by the Green Back Packers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
