NFL-Bound Williams Grateful for UK Experience

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Boom Williams always knew he was going to have a decision to make at the end of the 2016 season about whether to return to Kentucky for his senior year or declare for the NFL Draft.

He made it quickly.

“Me and my parents talked,” Williams said. “It’s the best time for me right now to go ahead and try to pursue that dream of playing in the NFL and giving myself a shot.”

Williams, the dynamic junior running back, told Mark Stoops of his decision immediately after Kentucky’s 33-18 loss in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Saturday. Minutes later, he made his decision public that his career as a Wildcat would end after three seasons.

The Monroe, Georgia, native led UK in rushing as a junior, rolling up 1,135 yards to bring his career total to 2,476, seventh most in program history. He endeared himself to fans during his time in Lexington with electric runs and infectious energy, but Williams believes he got as much as he gave.

“Well, they’ve been great,” Williams said of his three seasons. “The first two years after I got here, 5-7. And then here, to finish the season 7-6 and be able to experience this moment right here with my teammates and everybody has been great. Like I said, all I can say is just thank you to the fans, Coach Stoops, Mitch Barnhart and President (Eli) Capilouto for all their support.”

Williams submitted his name to the NFL for evaluation earlier this month, but he’s more focused on himself than any projections about his draft stock.

“I just gotta go out there and handle what I can handle, take care of what I can take care of and let the rest take care of itself,” Williams said. “For me, it’s been a very fun ride. So now I’m going to get to work and start working this offseason and prepare myself for the Combine and stuff like that.”

While Williams focuses on his NFL future, Kentucky will go about the business of replacing the production of its star running back. That won’t be easy.

“I’m happy for him,” Stephen Johnson II said. “He’s a great player. I wish we could have him back, but I look forward to seeing what he’s got for the future.”

That’s not to say UK has an empty cupboard though. For starters, Benny Snell Jr., who combined with Williams to become the first Wildcat duo to top 1,000 yards rushing apiece, will be back for his sophomore season.

“I’m very excited for Boom,” Snell said. “He’s been a great part of my career. I learned from him every day. Now, it’s time to take the team over and make the offense even better.”

Snell won’t have to do it all himself. Though Williams and senior Jojo Kemp will be gone from the backfield, UK will have Sihiem King, who has shown potential in limited duty over his first two season. King and Snell will be joined by A.J. Rose, the first-year player who has redshirted and spent time imitating the likes of Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and Georgia Tech’s Justin Thomas on the scout team. 

Head coach of the offense and running backs coach Eddie Gran has rave reviews of Rose, especially the way he has come to grasp UK’s offense over his redshirt season.

“He was night and day,” Gran said. “And you can see the power and you can see the elusiveness and you can see a guy that’s got some talent.” 

Rose will have his opportunity, but not until spring practice. The moment for now belongs to Williams, who had only good things to say about being at UK.

“It’s been a great experience and all I can do is say thank you to everybody here,” Williams said.