North Carolina Football has landed Ohio State running back Antonio Williams via a transfer.
The North Carolina Tar Heels football program received good news on Monday, as former four-star running back Antonio Williams announced he would be leaving the Ohio State Buckeyes’ program and enrolling at North Carolina.
While the former seventh-ranked running back in the country switching schools is big enough news in its own, the running back has dealt with controversy so far in his early collegiate career.
Williams, out of New London, N.C., originally committed with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2016. While fans of Wisconsin and Williams were excited to pair yet another great running back together, the recruitment fell through due to a tweet Williams sent out regarding Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook.
The tweet, which was of a negative insinuation, prompted the Badgers coaching staff to rethink their scholarship offer and ultimately the whole thing fell through.
Shortly thereafter, Williams committed to Ohio State in what seemed to be a backhanded slap to the Badgers. However, Williams has barely seen the field in his short time with the Buckeyes as he was beat out by veteran running back Mike Weber and newcomer J.K. Robbins. Pairing this with the fact that Williams is indeed from the state of North Carolina, it makes sense that he is heading home to a place he feels more comfortable.
New Chapter! Go Heels! #GDTBATH pic.twitter.com/K60b6dXa7R
— AWG | Tone (@A_B_Williams26) April 23, 2018
Williams notes in his announcement that the timing for him just is not right to be at Ohio State and as a player who has NFL-like talent, the motivation for Williams’ switch is likely playing time.
Williams carried the ball for 57 times in 2017, posting 290 yards and three touchdowns on the season. He saw majority of his time in the red zone of opposing defenses, as his strong build made him a viable option near the goal line.
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The Tar Heels are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 3-9 year in 2017.