Darrel Williams

At different points in his LSU career, Williams was stuck behind Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard on the depth chart. But his playing time increased as a senior with Guice’s injuries and he made the most of it, earning LSU Team MVP honors in 2017. Williams looks like a NFL back with his size and he doesn’t waste time in the backfield, quickly getting north-south to attack the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t run with burst, initially or at contact, and will only be as effective as the blocking in front of him. However, Williams is very reliable because he won’t fumble, holds his own in pass protection and is a steady option as a receiver out of the backfield. Of all the talented backs that have gone through Baton Rouge, Williams is the first player in LSU history to finish with 100+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards in the same game (Oct. 2017 at Ole Miss). BACKGROUND Despite being the No. 2 running back recruit in the state, Williams’ pledge to the Tigers went somewhat under-the-radar because Louisiana’s No. 1 running back recruit (Leonard Fournette) also signed with LSU. Williams was the fourth-string running back as a true freshman in 2014 and recorded 62 carries for 302 yards and three scores. He shared the back-up duties (with Guice) behind Fournette in 2015 and finished with 296 rushing yards on 60 carries and four scores. With Fournette battling injuries in 2016, Williams earned a pair of starts as a junior, but it was Guice who received the bulk of the carries. Guice became the starter in 2017, but his injuries allowed Williams to see added playing time and set personal-bests, finishing second on the team with 820 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

in our view

Williams will never be a game-breaker and his lack of explosive traits severely limit his NFL ceiling, but he flashes enough juice and the versatility to be a third-down or specialist back at the next level.

strengths

Built for the NFL with a brawny physique. Keeps his shoulders square with the line of scrimmage. Trusts his eyes and presses the hole with widescreen vision, locating second-level defenders. Lowers his pads at contact to push forward with run power. Coordinated feet and enough shake to make sharp cuts in the open field. Reliable hands and elastic body control as a pass-catcher. Faces up with rushers and holds his ground in pass protection. Accounted for six offensive plays of 35+ yards in 2017 (Guice had only two with 87 more offensive touches). Reliable toting the rock with only one career fumble, which happened in 2014 and he recovered it. Turned heads as a senior, accounting for 1,151 yards of total offense, which was more than his career total yards (962) entering the 2017 season. – Dane Brugler 2/2/2018

weaknesses

Doesn’t own noticeable burst through the hole. Coordinated in his cuts, but there isn’t any explosion off his plant foot. Doesn’t show much deception as a ballcarrier or route-runner. One-gear athlete and lacks breakaway speed. Needs to consistently run through contact instead of stopping his feet and bracing for the tackle. Doesn’t have a high percentage of yards after initial contact. Steady hands and focus as a receiver, but doesn’t have a large catch radius. Trusts the play design, but almost to a fault, lacking the creativity to find escape paths. Only six career starts and was never relied on to be “the guy” in college – only two career games with 20+ offensive touches. – Dane Brugler 2/2/2018

Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, 247Sports and Scout.com

Set a single-season school record at John Ehret by rushing for 2,201 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior

Also caught six passes for 309 yards and three scores during his senior season

Ranked as the No. 11 running back nationally by Rivals and was a member of the Rivals 250

Started at quarterback in 2012 and ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored 27 touchdowns

Led a John Ehret team that was winless in 2012 to a district championship in 2013

Member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Second Dozen

Coached by Corey Lambert.

Parents are Karen and Darrel Williams Sr.

Born April 15, 1995

Majoring in sport administration.

2017

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
5.7	9.0	820.0	145.0	77.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
23.0	14.4	0.0	63.0	331.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
21.0	21.0	1.0	0.0	21.0

2016

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
4.5	3.0	233.0	52.0	22.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
5.0	7.4	0.0	12.0	37.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

2015

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
4.9	4.0	296.0	60.0	40.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
4.0	7.8	0.0	18.0	31.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
21.0	49.0	4.0	0.0	12.3