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PROVO — BYU running back Jamaal Williams has withdrawn from school and plans to redshirt the 2015 season, the school announced Thursday morning.
Williams, who is coming off a season-ending knee injury in the final games of last season, was set to return for his senior year alongside quarterback Taysom Hill. But head coach Bronco Mendenhall said the Rialto, California, native isn't done at BYU.
"Jamaal has withdrawn from school for personal reasons and will redshirt the 2015 season," Mendenhall said in a statement. "We plan on Jamaal returning for the 2016 season."
Williams ran for 518 yards on 105 carries as a junior in only seven games before his injury. As a sophomore in 2013, he piled up 1,233 yards on 217 attempts to go along with 125 receiving yards on 18 catches.
The 6-foot, 206-pound tailback has 2,526 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns for his BYU career. He needs just 930 yards to eclipse Harvey Unga's all-time rushing record for the Cougars.
At BYU media day in June, Williams was asked about the possibility of redshirting the 2015 season as a result of his knee injury. He said he had mentioned it a few times in talks with his mother, but had never given it significant thought.
"I think I was the one who brought it up, and she just gave me that 'What are you talking about?' face," Williams said. "She molded me differently; she wants me to play.
"This year is going to be the year that I can show I'm not injury-prone. I just want to show that I can still get it, be smart, and help myself and the team by staying healthy for the whole season."
Williams elaborated further on his status later in the day.
"The goal has been to be ready for the first game," Williams added. "I really feel good. I'm getting to the point where I'm just ready to play. We've already started doing drills and routes a little. It looks different, but I'm still in my same mode of catching, spinning and jukes."
Those plans have apparently changed. While Williams will miss a season that includes games against Nebraska, UCLA, Michigan and Missouri, among others, he would return for a 2016 schedule that features Arizona, Utah, UCLA and West Virginia in the opening month, along with Michigan State and Mississippi State, to name a few.
BYU fullback Algernon Brown is the Cougars' leading returning rusher with 324 yards last season. Nate Carter, who put up several strong performances in the spring, is also back after a 290-yard season, as well as senior Adam Hine (154 rushing yards).
