Alex Collins, I hope your shoulders -- and legs -- are strong enough.
In a rather significant development Sunday afternoon, Arkansas announced that Jonathan Williams sustained an injury to his left foot during Saturday’s scrimmage. As a result, the running back will miss what the school described as “an extended period of time during the 2015 season.”
The injury will require surgery, but Williams is expected to make a full recovery. How soon the senior can take the field for the first time in 2015 remains to be seen.
“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,” said head coach Bret Bielema 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.”
“This is no doubt a tough moment, but I know through my faith and hard work that I will make a full recovery,” said Williams.”
Suffice to say, though, this is a rather large blow to the Razorbacks’ punishing rushing attack.
Last season, Williams led the Hogs in rushing with 1,190 yards. His 12 rushing touchdowns were tied for the team lead with Collins, who was second on the team with 1,100 yards. The backs were the only FBS teammates to rush for more than a thousand yards last season.
Williams is Arkansas’ No. 10 all-time leading rusher with 2,321 career rushing yards. His 5.72 career yards per rush average ranks sixth all-time at Arkansas and his rushing total in 2014 was the eighth-best single-season mark in Razorback history