D.J.

Williams

This will be Williams’ (5'/10/222) second transfer as he moved from Auburn to FSU last year, but once could not find a role in his new destination. He entered the transfer portal after the May 1 deadline so he could require a waiver to play this season.

After leaving Auburn for Florida State this past offseason, Williams (5'10"/222) has decided to try and find a new home once again. He initially followed Kenny Dillingham from Auburn to Tallahassee, but Dillingham left for Oregon this offseason. Could Williams follow him once again after falling to fourth or fifth on the depth chart? He enters as a grad transfer with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Three days after Florida State released an updated depth chart with Williams’ name noticeably absent, the 5-foot-10, 222-pound running back was on the field going through pregame drills. How much the sophomore will play Saturday night, or if he’ll play at all, remains to be seen. Ja’Khi Douglas replaced Williams on the depth chart as Lawrance Toafili’s backup, so Williams will be no higher than third in the pecking order.

Why Williams (5'/10/222) is not listed on the depth chart has not been made public by the Florida State football program, but it’s worth noting that he was not available for Sunday’s overtime loss to Notre Dame. With the sophomore off of the depth chart, the void has been filled by Ja’Khi Douglas. The freshman, who was moved to wide receiver in the spring, has returned to running back and will backup Lawrance Toafili.

With the dismissal of HC Gus Malzahn and his staff, many of his recruits will now be exploring their options via the portal. Williams (5'10/210) led the Tigers’ backfield committee in 2019 before being passed over for starting duties this season by Tank Bigsby. He handled 122 carries for 599 yards and five touchdowns, adding another 12 touches for 72 yards through the air. The sophomore tailback is a former four-star recruit from Auburn’s 2019 class, so between that and his role with the team off the bat, it’s clear the talent is there. Williams will likely need to sit out the 2021 season due to transfer rules, but he’s got a redshirt to burn anyway.

It was only a matter of time before some of Gus Malzahn’s recruits started skipping town. In two seasons with the Tigers, Williams (5'10/210) had been a solid contributor. He handled 122 carries for 599 yards and five touchdowns, adding another 12 touches for 72 yards through the air. Williams is a former four-star recruit from Auburn’s 2019 class, so between that and his role with the team off the bat, it’s clear the talent is there. Williams will likely need to sit out the 2021 season due to transfer rules, but he’s got a redshirt to burn anyway. Williams has two years of playing eligibility left.

Williams (5'10/210) was injured during their loss at Alabama two weeks ago and was unable to suit up against Texas A&M last Saturday. Tank Bigsby was banged up last week too, leaving the Tigers shorthanded against the fifth ranked Aggies. Both tailbacks practiced and are expected to be closer to full strength this Saturday when Auburn travels to play Mississippi State.

Williams (5'10/210) was injured during Saturday’s loss at Alabama, and has not practiced all week. With the sophomore struggling with this health issue, the Tigers could potentially be down two running back for the matchup with Texas A&M. In addition to Williams’ injury, freshman Tank Bigsby is considered to be day-to-day as he continues to recover from a lingering hip injury. Bigsby has practiced on a limited basis this week which bodes well for his availability on Saturday.

Williams (5'10/210) was injured during Saturday’s loss at Alabama, and he did not take part in the team’s practice on Sunday. With the sophomore struggling with this health issue, the Tigers could potentially be down two running back for the matchup with Texas A&M. In addition to Williams, freshman Tank Bigsby is considered to be day-to-day as he continues to recover from a lingering hip injury.

As a result of the injury, Williams (5'10/210) did not record any official stats during the Iron Bowl loss to the Crimson Tide. Auburn’s depth at running back has taken a few hits recently, with Williams sidelined and freshman Tank Bigsby limited by a lingering hip injury. While Bigsby is considered to be day-to-day as the Tigers prepare for Saturday’s matchup with Texas A&M, no such status report has been given regarding Williams.