What impact does Jonathan Williams' return have for Arkansas in 2015?
As if Arkansas’ demolition of Texas in the Texas Bowl on Monday night wasn’t enough momentum for the Hogs heading into the offseason, Bret Bielema and company got a huge lift over the weekend.
Junior tailback Jonathan Williams announced he’ll return for his senior season. He’ll join fellow 1,000-yard rusher Alex Collins in returning to the Razorbacks in 2015.
Williams, along with Collins, anchored a run game that ranked fourth in the SEC in 2014 averaging 220.2 yards per game. Williams is the unquestioned leader of the offense, and he and Collins are two of the most durable backs in college football. Both produced nearly identical seasons, with Williams getting 188 touches during the regular season to Collins’ 187 carries. Williams amassed 1,085 yards with Collins adding 1,024 rushing yards.
Williams and Collins are the only pair of running backs to eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau this season, providing a huge lift to the Arkansas offense in 2015. The two take immense pressure off quarterback Brandon Allen to make plays, allowing the junior signal-caller to keep defenses honest off the play-action pass.
His return also means that the only significant loss the Razorbacks suffer is offensive lineman Brey Cook. For a team expected to be ranked in the preseason top 25, Williams return couldn’t come at a better time.
“I’m always excited for players to chase NFL dreams,” Bielema said. “For Jonathan, that meant another year of growth on and off the field and a degree to carry him through life. I’m excited to have him here for another year that will help take him to new heights.”
Williams is primed for a huge senior season, ready to lead a team looking to be a dark horse in the SEC West.
If Arkansas is in the mix in 2015, it will be behind the running of Williams.