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Shortly after Kentucky’s loss to Georgia Tech in the Taxslayer Bowl, junior running back Stanley “Boom” Williams announced that he would be declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft. Williams, the Wildcats’ leading rusher for the 2016 season, was one of the main offensive catalysts for Kentucky’s incredible turnaround this year—one which was capped off with their first bowl appearance in six seasons.
Boom Williams said in group of reporters that he plans to put his name in the NFL draft.
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) December 31, 2016
The decision by Williams didn’t come as much of a surprise to those who have followed him for the past few years, as his stock has improved with each impressive outing. For good reason, Williams has been a fan favorite in the Bluegrass, as he has been a consistent bright spot for a team that hasn’t always seen success.
This year alone, Williams racked up well over 1,100 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, emerging as a key element in a potent Wildcats ground game that also featured star running back Benny Snell, Jr. In fact, the two were the first pair of 1,000-yard rushers in the same season in the entire history of Kentucky football.
Williams will finish his career as a Wildcat with over 2,475 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns, and he will definitely be remembered as one of the best players of the early Stoops years, if not the Stoops era as a whole.