Why Will Muschamp OK’d David Williams’ transfer to SEC foe

Will Muschamp spoke highly Thursday of running back David Williams, who transferred from South Carolina after the 2016 season and will play against the Gamecocks this year as a running back at Arkansas.

“David, first of all, is an outstanding person, an outstanding young man, and a really good football player,” Muschamp said during his time at SEC Media Days. “I didn’t wanted to lose David. I tried to talk David into staying at South Carolina.”

Williams originally planned to transfer to UConn, but Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema and athletic director Jeff Long approached Muschamp in June at the SEC’s spring meetings to ask if Muschamp would clear a transfer within the conference.

“Absolutely,” Muschamp replied. “Give the guy an opportunity, if that’s what he wants to do. David’s a good football player.”

Williams is a graduate transfer and is eligible to play right away for the Razorbacks. USC hosts Arkansas at Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 7.

“He wanted a fresh start for his senior year,” Muschamp said. “I’m not going to hold back that situation. That young man wasn’t going to be on our team. I’m not going to penalize him if that’s something he wanted to do.”

Williams’ role diminished throughout the 2016 season, and he didn’t play in the 46-39 loss to South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl.

He finished the year third on the team in rushing with 56 carries for 239 yards and three touchdowns. For his career, Williams had 188 carries for 794 yards and five touchdowns. He caught 27 passes for 264 yards in three years. His career-high in rushing came in his freshman season against Furman when he had 110 yards.

This story was originally published July 13, 2017 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Why Will Muschamp OK’d David Williams’ transfer to SEC foe."