Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
Sport
Jesse Newel

KU Jayhawks' best player — after opting out — says pro football is his next step

In this file photo, Kansas running back Pooka Williams Jr. (1) picks up first-half yardage against Kansas State on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kan. K-State won, 38-10. (Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS)

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas running back Pooka Williams has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, he announced on his Twitter account Sunday afternoon.

Williams, who was a first-team All-Big 12 running back a year ago, opted out of his junior season following KU's fourth game this year. He said he did so to help take care of his mother, who was going through health issues.

"After much thought and consideration, I will be pursuing my lifelong dream and declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft," Williams tweeted Sunday. "Since I was a kid, playing in the NFL has been my goal and I could not be more excited to continue to work toward that goal."

Williams rushed 51 times for 196 yards (3.8 average) with two touchdowns in KU's first four games. He also had a 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown in his final contest against West Virginia.

KU, 0-9 and 0-8 in the Big 12, finishes its season with a home game against Texas on Saturday.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.