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Logan • Kerwynn Williams sat behind Robert Turbin for three years, sacrificing carries and touches when he had the talent to be a feature back at many other schools.
In Utah State's best season in almost four decades, this story has been periodically told and re-told. But since Saturday's 38-7 whipping of Texas State yielded Williams' 1,000th yard for the year, it bears mentioning once again.
With 19 carries, Williams gained 120 yards on the ground, bolstering a running game that's been good all season. He didn't score a touchdown but he broke two runs that led to scores.
"Kerwynn's been a tremendous player and teammate and leader this season for the entire program," USU head coach Gary Andersen said. "He's been such a great person for this program the last three years, and it's just great to see what he's been doing this year for the offense. This is a tremendous young man and he deserves everything that comes his way."
For Williams, his success has been satisfying. He was a guy with arguably more pressure than anyone on the team not named Chuckie Keeton. With little starting experience, he came into the season expected to carry the running game. Then, in the second matchup of the season against Utah, Williams' backup Joe Hill sprained an ankle and is just now getting back to 100 percent. But Williams never flinched. He has been durable, explosive on the ground and has remained solid at catching passes out of the backfield. He's an all-WAC candidate and his versatility may get him a shot at the next level.
"It's definitely been a great season for us," Williams said. "Just to have all of the hard work pay off, as well as to have great teammates who have put me in a position to succeed. I feel like everyone is excited for me, and I'm really excited to have the opportunity to play week in and week out and to be able to accomplish all of this."