Williams will turn pro.
After seeing his eligibility expire, Dee Williams is officially turning pro. Williams said goodbye to Tennessee on Wednesday night, wrapping up his college career and turning his focus to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Williams joined Tennessee from the JUCO ranks ahead of the 2022 season. Due to his participation in JUCO ball during the COVID 2020 season, he was not eligible for an extra year of eligibility.
Although Williams never found his footing in the secondary, he made a massive impact on special teams as a returner. In fact, the 5-11, 194 pound athlete eventually carved out some snaps on the offensive side of the ball this past season.
Williams averaged nearly 15 yards per return during the 2023 season, which ranked sixth nationally. He flipped the field a few times in the season opener against Virginia, then essentially won the game for the Volunteers with a game-changing punt return touchdown in the second half. Williams had another punt return touchdown wiped off the board this season against South Carolina due to penalty.
Williams should wind up as a fit on special teams at the next level, and will get a chance to prove his return ability in camp and the preseason. We’ll see if that’s enough to stick on a roster somewhere.