Cougar Kickoff Countdown: 16 Days

BYU is known for having players who are older than the rest of their collegiate cohorts. One notable exception to the rule is Jamaal Williams, who graduated high school early in California and joined the team in time for spring ball in 2012 as a 16-year old. Not many players could pull that off academically or physically, but it has been a great success for Williams so far.

During spring ball Williams turned 17 and played well enough to earn the confidence of the coaching staff. In fall of 2012 Williams became the featured back after Michael Alisa went down with a season ending injury and accomplished more than most 17-year players would even have the opportunity to accomplish. He ended the season with with 166 carries, 775 yards (4.7 yards per carry), and 12 touchdowns; setting the record for the most carries, yards, and touchdowns for a true freshman at BYU.

As a sophmore Williams continued as the feature back for BYU and continued to improve. He set a career rushing record of 219 yards against Nevada. He rushed 1,260 yards on 217 carries for the season, although his touchdowns decreased to seven. Currently Williams is tenth at BYU in career rushing yards and twelfth in career rushing touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae has already "apologized" in advance to current rushing leader Harvey Unga because he fully expects Williams to become the career rushing leader by the end of this season.

Unfortunately for BYU and Williams, he has been suspended for the season opener against UConn. If he is going to become the career rushing leader at BYU this season, then Williams will have to average 120.6 yards rushing per game, or about 15 more yards per game than last year. With QB Taysom Hill expected to pass more and run less this season, it is more likely that Williams will be able to become the career rushing leader at BYU.