BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Sophomore tailback Ryan Williams is leaving Virginia Tech with two years of eligibility remaining to apply for April's NFL draft.
Williams said the possibility of being a draft pick is "something that's hard to pass up." He said the NFL will give him an opportunity to help his family.
"It came down to what I felt like was the best decision for me," he said.
Williams is the second member of the Hokies' three-man tailback rotation to announce he's leaving school to pursue a pro career. Darren Evans made the same decision last week, leaving junior David Wilson as the heir apparent to the starting tailback job next season.
Williams struggled with a hamstring injury this season and missed several games after a record-breaking freshman season in which he rushed for a school-record 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns. This year, his numbers were modest: 110 carries for 477 yards and nine TDs.
"There is no other place I'd rather play and there are no other fans I'd rather have than Virginia Tech fans," Williams said, adding he hopes they understand his decision.
"They are the most loyal fans in the country. They were with me all the way, both when I was up and when I was down, and I thank them for making my time here so special."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
