Ty’Son Williams Was Hoping For Another Year At BYU, Now Prepares For NFL Draft

PROVO, Utah – Not many players can say they made a lasting impact on a college football program, especially after playing in only four games. But that was the case for former BYU running back Ty’Son Williams.

Williams announced earlier this week that he was foregoing a possible sixth-year at BYU, to declare for the NFL Draft. The graduate transfer from the University of South Carolina wanted another year with the Cougars but knew the odds of that happening were not good.

“If I had another year, I would have stayed,” said Williams on KSL NewsRadio’s Cougar Sports Saturday. “Just been fortunate to play most of my years and didn’t fit the guidelines for a sixth year so I’m just ready to turn to the next chapter.”

Ty'Son Williams told us on Cougar Sports Saturday that he would have come back to #BYU in 2020 but it was a "slim chance" he was going to receive a waiver from the NCAA.@baiamontematt @kslsports #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 28, 2019

After suffering an ACL injury against Washington this past September, there was an option for Williams to apply for a medical waiver. But the odds were never in Williams’ favor to receive it. With Williams having used his prior redshirt on a transfer to another FBS program (North Carolina to South Carolina) it hurt his chances of getting the sixth-year.

“There was a slim chance, but it was one I wasn’t willing to take,” Williams said.

Now Williams has his eyes set on the NFL. Typical recovery timelines from ACL injuries are anywhere from six to nine months. When BYU’s Pro Day takes place in the spring, it will put Williams around the six-month mark in his recovery. Williams is working to get better each and every day for his opportunity to play in the league.

Only wish we could have got you out of high school. Not sure of many Cougs who have made such a great impression so quickly. Much love Ty’Son. You’ll always be a big part of the BYU Football Family! https://t.co/CG9KZdbLZ1

— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) December 27, 2019

“Recovery is going good,” said Williams. “Just kind of in the transition stage right now, just trying to get set up where I can train and get ready [for the NFL Draft] … I’ll be able to do some things [at Pro Day] even if my leg isn’t 100 percent. Just kind of not rushing it, just want to make sure I do things right because there’s no fun in trying to rush back and not being 100 percent.”

BYU has already gotten used to life without Williams, but there are still some big shoes to fill in that backfield. Some of the players who will compete for playing time in 2020 at running back include Lopini Katoa, Sione Finau (returning from an ACL injury), Jackson McChesney, and Tyler Allgeier. Williams feels there’s a lot of talent returning to next year’s BYU squad.

“Of course guys like Zach [Wilson], Matt [Bushman]. I will probably say Matt is the one guy I always watch on film and just anytime you see him, the stuff he does, the catches he makes, all you can do is shake your head and say, I just can’t believe he caught that … they’ve got a great group of guys. I definitely believe in them, I know they’ll do well. Looking forward to watching them. ”

Instead of seeing Williams in a BYU uniform in 2020, Cougar fans will hope to see Ty’Son balling out in the NFL next fall.