bo williams - once a gator, always a gator

[radbag]

dated 12/1


When running back Bo Williams committed to the University of Florida last December he did so with high hopes that he would eventually become a major contributor for the Gators, perhaps as early as the 2007 season. A couple of injuries and a family illness later and he is looking to transfer to another college.

The former four-star back spoke with GatorBait.net about his decision.

On the day he arrived in Gainesville, Williams told GatorBait.net he believed entering college early would be beneficial both on the field and in the classroom.

"I think it helps more with school than football," said Williams at the time. "The first thing to accomplish is get my grades and my classes down pat. That's my main focus. For football, it is going to give me a head start in learning the plays and getting a feel for the offense. This is going to give me a big advantage."

It didn't quite turn out that way though. Not long after arriving on campus he had to undergo surgery for a pre-existing shoulder injury. That caused him to sit out the entire spring – missing valuable practice time along the way.

Then he was forced to miss all of pre-season fall camp with an ankle sprain. That injury, which he is just fully recovered from, resulted in his being redshirted this year.

It has been widely reported that Williams plans to transfer from UF. However, though that is his intention, he has yet to get the ball rolling.

"I've talked to my coaches about it. They know where I stand. The paperwork hasn't been done yet because they are out recruiting. When coach (Stan) Drayton gets back here next week – we're going to put in the paperwork."

Williams said that one of the factors he will have to consider when choosing a new college is location.

"My Grandmother lives in Orlando and she's having some problems with her health and if I could, I would love to be able to be closer to her. I think it would be the right thing for her to have me close if it worked out that way."

There's only one D-I program closer to Orlando than Florida – that of course being UCF.

A college would normally block a transfer to another in-state school, but with Central Florida not appearing on the Gator football schedule in the near future, along with the family issues involved, perhaps UF would be willing to make an exception?

According to Williams, the Golden Knights are a football team he would seriously consider transferring to if able.

"I haven't talked to any of their coaches yet. I'm going to look around. UCF would be a good fit. I don't where it's going to go yet."

For much of the past year, Williams has been limited by one injury or another. However he feels as though he is now beginning to return to form.

"For the past month, I've been doing great in practice, back to full speed. I'm working hard on the scout team, but I'm not made for the spread offense. I'm not the right fit for it. I'm a better fit for a team with a power running game."

Though he is looking to move on, Williams said there's no regrets or hard feelings.

"Hey, once a Gator, always a Gator," said Williams. "I love the program. I love the coaches. I can feel how much they all love me. They've supported me through it all. I love this place, but I have to do what's best for my family too."

In an interview with the Independent Alligator, Williams commented on the need to get paid. On Saturday he clarified what he meant by that.

"Basically I'm my family's last hope. I need to be able to go to a place where I can showcase my ability's and strengths. I'm a power runner. I need to be in a more traditional offense. I think I have the ability to play in the NFL. I need to be able to showcase that in my type of offense."

[a1bion]

He would fit well in UCF's offense. Look at the numbers K. Smith put up this year. They run that power back offense that Bo fits into. I wish the kid all the best in the world and hope he can get his family squared away.

[IHateUGAlyDawgs]

I hope the kid has a plan outside the NFL...it ain't that easy, Bo. Best of luck.