Williams set to return

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas junior tight end D.J. Williams elected Wednesday to return to the university for his senior season. In 2009, Williams was named second-team All-SEC by the league coaches. He played in all 13 games last year and had nine starts. Williams had 32 catches for 411 yards and three touchdowns in 2009. Williams was named to the Lombardi and Mackey Award watch lists prior to the season. He was a nominee for the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award and was named to the SEC Community Service team. Williams, who was the first Mackey Award semifinalist in school history in 2008, has played in 38 career games for the Razorbacks with 19 career starts. He has had 98 career receptions for 1,228 yards and six touchdowns.

Statement from D.J. Williams:"Taking into consideration the rewarding total experience I have had in Fayetteville, I feel there is no reason to cut this short. There are a lot of teammates and people I’ve grown close to and the ability to spend another year with them pursuing our goals is a big reason I want to come back. With Ryan (Mallett) and most of the key guys from last season returning I think this team understands what we can accomplish next season. That is something I’m excited about and something that means a lot to all of us. It is something our fans, who are the best in the nation, deserve to be a part of. The coaches here and the atmosphere we practice and compete in have helped me develop into more of a complete player. I understand the value of gaining another year of experience and the value of working towards finishing my degree."