Why Bryson Allen-Williams chose to come back: ‘I love it here’

It would have made some sense for South Carolina linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams to explore his professional options.

He is a senior whose season is over on account of shoulder injury. He’ll have surgery this Wednesday. In an era where seemingly everyone leaves early, that could have been an option for a fourth-year guy.

There was some consideration, but Allen-Williams announced he was coming back and gave his coach the reason.

“It was pretty awesome when he told me,” Muschamp said. “He said, ‘Coach. I love it here. I love it at South Carolina. I love being a Gamecock. I love where the program is headed. I’m so excited about the future here and I want to be here.’ ”

Muschamp pointed out that Allen-Williams is on the young side, only 20, and hasn’t yet taken a redshirt. The coach also talked to Allen-Williams’ mother, who echoed what her son said.

Allen-Williams was off to a strong start to his season, with a pair of sacks, interception and 10 tackles. He’d grown from a freshman and sophomore bouncing between positions to a key contributor as a junior and then a senior leader.

This story was originally published September 26, 2017 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Why Bryson Allen-Williams chose to come back: ‘I love it here’."