However, the program was dealt some potentially devastating news with leading rusher Jonathan Williams out for an “extended period of time” after undergoing surgery on his foot after he was injured in Saturday’s scrimmage. However, he was seen talking with the team’s training staff late during the practice. It didn’t seem significant at the time although he didn’t return.
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Bielema left open the possibility that Williams could play a bowl game, which would give NFL scouts a strong opportunity to evaluate his recovery prior to an offseason evaluation process that, for Williams, could begin with the Senior Bowl.
Bielema said he is still confident in his team.
Bielema didn’t announce details of the injury, but he did say surgery would be required – with Williams expected to make a complete recovery. Junior Kody Walker and freshman Rawleigh Williams are the next options while Denzel Evans fills out the bottom of the depth chart. Both players earned preseason all-conference honors. That’s 6 weeks from now.
Jonathan Williams’ gimpy walk off the turf at Reynolds Razorback Stadium during Saturday’s scrimmage was much more serious than initial indications. Knile Davis broke his ankle early in camp in 2011 and missed the entire season. Darren McFadden nearly lost his big toe during a fight outside a club in Little Rock just before camp started in 2006. Of course, Arkansas went on to win 21 games in those two seasons, so perhaps this is a good omen?
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Williams, a 6-foot, 223-pound senior, rushed for 1,190 yards and 12 touchdowns last season as part of college football’s top running back duo. Collins was right on Williams’ heels, finishing 2014 with 1,100 and 12 touchdowns of his own.
