Rawleigh Williams’ playing career in Fayetteville may be over but his opportunity to contribute to next season’s team is still very much alive. If you missed the news from Monday, the junior running back announced he would be stepping away from the field following his injury scare suffered during the team’s final spring practice.

While Williams doesn’t have any intentions of suiting up this fall, Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema is still interested in having the junior contribute to the program in a meaningful way moving forward. During a recent speaking engagement at Pine Bluff country club, Bielema revealed he had extended an offer for Williams to join his football program, according to Jeremy Muck of Whole Hog Sports. Williams’ potential role with the program is undefined at this point.

The jovial Bielema also talked about his attempts to cheer up Williams following his difficult decision to walk away from football, especially after achieving so much success on the field last season. As a true sophomore, Williams lead the SEC in rushing during the regular season in 2016. Credit Bielema for using that same information to get a smile out of his former running back.

“I said, ‘Hey, how many guys can retire as the leading rusher of the SEC?’ He chuckled and laughed,'” Bielema said.

The junior running back has stated his personal goals in football will transition from excelling on the field to becoming one of the key decision makers in the suite above the stadium. Should he take a position on Bielema’s staff, he’ll be taking yet another step to achieving that goal in the future.