BYU running back Jamaal Williams withdraws from school, will redshirt 2015

By Danny Jaillet | Aug 6, 2015

On Thursday, it was announced that BYU running back Jamaal Williams will withdraw from school for 2015.

BYU will have to play the 2015 season without a key member of their rushing attack, as per CBS Sports, junior running back Jamaal Williams has withdrawn from the school for the 2015 campaign and has redshirted. He is expected to be back for the 2016 season according to BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

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“Jamaal has withdrawn from school for personal reasons and will redshirt the 2015 season,” Mendenhall said in the CBS report. “We plan on Jamaal returning for the 2016 season.”

Williams only played in eight games last season due to injury, but made the most of his time once he was able to step on the gridiron. He rushed the ball 110 times for 515 yards and four touchdowns, building off a successful 2013 campaign in which he rushed for 1,233 yards and seven touchdowns. To say he was expected to be a factor in the offense this season would be an understatement.

Junior Algernon Brown is expected to be the one to handle the bulk of the carries per Robby Kalland of CBSSports. As Kalland notes, seniors Nate Carter and Adam Hine will also handle some of the workload as well.

This is a big loss for the Cougars who need to be in top shape to start the season. With their first four contests against Nebraska, UCLA, Boise State, and Michigan, there is no time for a “feeling out” period to start the season. The coaching staff will have to make changes quickly and be confident in the changes they make. That among other things will not be easy, but in any event, different players will have to step up and make an impact to offset the loss of Williams.

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