Malzahn: Duke Williams returning to Auburn, suspended for bowl

Auburn wideout Duke Williams has been suspended for the Outback Bowl, head coach Gus Malzahn announced Monday. The Tigers’ head coach did announce the JUCO transfer would return for his senior season in 2015.

Williams has been suspended for breaking team rules. However, Malzahn said Williams will return for his senior season.

— Jeffrey Lee (@JLeeAU21) December 29, 2014

Williams is the Tigers’ leading receiver. He caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns. The Laplace, La., native averaged 16.2 yards per carry and had a breakout performance in the season-opener catching nine passes for 154 yards.

Williams had four games with more than 100 yards receiving in 2014. Malzahn described the affect Williams’ loss on his team:

Malzahn on Duke Williams suspension: “Obviously it’s a blow, but we have played games w/o him. We have guys that we feel very good about.”

— Alex Byington (@AUBlog) December 29, 2014

Auburn without Duke Williams: “We played without him a couple of games. We have some veteran guys we can move around,” says Gus Malzahn

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) December 29, 2014

Jordan Cox

After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.