College Football: 3 local players potentially impacted by a spring delay

Kansas football running back Pooka Williams likely enters the 2021 draft and he’s unlikely to play in a pushed back spring season.

Pooka Williams is an electric ball carrier and play maker, the type of player usually not found on the football field in Lawrence. Entering his junior season, the running back is likely to enter the 2021 draft, where he likely is selected in the top half of the draft.

Dynamic and versatile, Williams has the ability to contribute at the next level.

In his two seasons with the Jayhawks, Williams has rushed for 2186 yards, averaging six yards a carry to go with ten touchdowns while also catching 60 balls out of the backfield. His ability to contribute can not be overstated.

Thus far in his career, Williams has more receptions and more rushing yards than 2020 Detroit Lions draft pick D’Andre Swift or Chiefs draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

There are two areas of concern for Williams, with the first being his size. Not his height so much, but his lack of bulk, tipping the scales currently about 170 pounds. That is a little light for a running back.

The other issue, and this is a big one, was his misdemeanor domestic battery arrest in December of 2018. He served a one game suspension for the Jayhawks and was granted diversion, the arrest is a red flag and likely would keep him from being able to participate in the NFL scouting combine, whenever that is. (The NFL often will not invite players with previous assault issues to the combine)

Spring college football only works if absolutely necessary, as it’s possible a lot of players won’t suit up, instead opting to enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

With everything going on regarding schedules and conferences doing everything they can, it’s rather obvious college football, at the Power 5 level, will do everything they can to have football, in some form, in the fall. And that’s a good thing, assuming it’s safe for participants.

So many of the top players in college football would obviously not participate in a spring season, such as potential top five pick Justin Fields of Ohio State or the prospects mentioned previously. A spring season would resemble a college spring game, in which we see more backups and unknowns the previous, in part due to the lack of top end talent.

Lastly, if you want college football this season, follow the recommendations, wear masks and socially distance where possible. The season itself likely could hinge on a face mask.