The SEC took a hit when it was announced that Arkansas senior running back Jonathan Williams would miss the 2015 season due to a foot injury.

He spoke to the media for the first time Thursday following his injury, and he was asked about his 2016 plans.

Nobody could blame Williams for making the move to the NFL, assuming his rehab goes well, and although it seems cruel right now, Williams’ injury allows more tread on his tires and fewer handoffs during his college career. If he goes the NFL in 2016, he essentially played three years of football and was drafted.

If workouts go fine and if he’s 100 percent healthy, a year less worth of carries could actually improve his draft stock.

Selfishly — and I’m speaking for everyone in the SEC — it would be great to have another year of Williams in 2016, but he would be wise to take the step to the NFL.