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BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. was removed from the team’s online roster on Monday afternoon and a source confirmed to The Herald-Times he’s no longer with the team.
Williams had a catch for a 12-yard gain in a 56-7 win over Nebraska and played the most snaps he’s played all season (12). His best stretch for the Hoosiers came in the final four games of the 2023 season when he had 20 catches for 247 yards in the team’s final four games.
The former Clemson transfer failed to crack the team’s rotation earlier in the year after missing extended practice time in the spring and fall. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti praised the former four-star prospect’s natural ability, but plainly stated at Big Ten Media Days the coaching staff needed to see him stay on the field.
He also suffered a hand injury in 2023 that sidelined him for nearly half the season.
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“Got to get him on the field and keep him on the field,” Cignetti said. “That’s the biggest thing, the best ability is availability. You got to stay on the field and that’s been his biggest nemesis.”
Williams had a breakout game during the 2020 College Football Playoff semifinals as a true freshman. He followed an early 33-yard touchdown catch in the 34-10 win over Notre Dame with an impressive one-handed grab that he somehow reeled in while falling backward.
He dealt with injuries in the years that followed and was hoping for a fresh start in Bloomington. He told reporters before the 2023 season that Clemson’s coaching staff had lost trust in him.
More: What to know about Tayven Jackson taking over for Kurtis Rourke as Indiana quarterback
“I would say part of it was my fault, but I would say it’s kind of hand-in-hand both ways,” Williams said. “I’d say they…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/indiana-football-wide-receiver-e-223151189.html
Author : The Herald-Times
Publish date : 2024-10-21 22:31:51
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