In the first two games of the season, De’Antwan Williams led Rutgers in both yards and carries. Granted, those totals were just 59 and 20, respectively, but he was still technically the Knights’ leading rusher.
As it turns out, that will be the only production Williams will have for Rutgers in 2011 and, apparently, beyond.
Head coach Greg Schiano announced Wednesday that Williams has abruptly left the football program. Williams started the season opener but dropped recently on the depth chart, which Schiano said prompted the junior to seek a transfer.
That said, the coach would not rule out a return at some point. At least, the school would be willing to give it another go if Williams has a change of heart.
“We made some depth-chart changes and one of them were at the running back position and De’Antwan isn’t agreeing with it, so right now he has decided to leave the team,” said Schiano according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
“But the door is open (for him to return). We care a lot about him. I wish that he’d keep competing and stay at it but he feels like it’s not right. As I said, the door is open if he wants to come back but he’s going to come back to the way it is.
“He might want to go try someplace else, so we’ll see.”
With Williams gone, at least for now, Schiano will likely turn to true freshman Savon Huggins in an attempt to jumpstart a running game that’s 112th in the country after two games, averaging just 69 yards per game and just over two yards per carry. Huggins was the No. 7 RB in the Class of 2011 and became the first player rated No.1 in the state of New Jersey to sign with Rutgers.
