Arkansas running back Rawleigh Williams III announced Monday that he was walking away from football.
The 5-foot-10, 226-pounder from Dallas rushed for 1,360 yards last season as a sophomore but suffered a neck injury on April 29, the final day of spring practice. It was the second neck injury for Williams, who underwent surgery after rupturing a disk against Auburn in October 2015.
"I'm moving onto the next chapter of my life," Williams said in a statement that was released on the school's website. "It's tough to not be able to play football anymore because I've been playing since I was 4 years old. It wasn't something I wanted to do or planned on having to do so early. I've prayed, listened to my doctors, my parents and my gut.
"It still doesn't seem real yet, but I really don't have a choice. I've dodged the bullet twice. I realize that at the end of the day I want to live a normal life and be around my family."
Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema initially was told that Williams suffered a "stinger" in the final spring workout. It then started being referred to as a "neurological injury."
Williams described his last carry as an outside zone run to the left.
"I knew something was wrong," he said. "I knew that it was similar enough to the last time. Everyone got to me quickly. When they tested my hand strength I could squeeze, but it was really weak and I could barely feel it.
"I've seen the replay. I saw a normal hit. That scared me. It shows me it doesn't take a big hit at this point. Any little thing can trigger it. I also saw the reaction of my mom and my sister. That broke my heart. I can't do this anymore. I want to be able to walk."
Williams averaged 5.6 yards per carry last season and scored 12 touchdowns. In a November shredding of Mississippi State in Starkville, he had 16 rushes for 205 yards (12.8 per carry) and four scores.
"Not only does he have All-SEC academic success, but he also steps away as the reigning SEC regular-season rushing leader," Bielema said in a released statement. "This next chapter in Rawleigh's life will be filled with unlimited success in any career path or any way of life he chooses. As a head coach, I couldn't be more excited to begin the next chapter with him and be there for him."
Williams was a three-star recruit in the 2015 class but had success as a freshman before his first injury. In a 24-20 comeback win at Tennessee, he carried 14 times for 100 yards.
Devwah Whaley, who rushed for 602 yards and 5.5 yards per carry a year ago, will enter preseason camp as the first-team tailback.
"It is sad, but I truly believe God has a plan for my life," Williams said. "I believe I'm going to be blessed more than I could ever imagine. Even though my plan isn't going to happen, I know that his plan is better than my plan."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.