Clemson’s Mike Williams Suffers Neck Fracture
After the scary play Saturday afternoon, we’ve finally learned the fate of Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams. The standout receiver has been diagnosed with a small fracture in his neck after hitting his head on the goal post. Williams received a touchdown on the play, but the injury is obviously bigger than the scoring result of that play.
Update on WR Mike Williams — more details here: http://t.co/ibv5zWogmV pic.twitter.com/5dEQww91U8
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 7, 2015
Williams was the team’s number once receiver heading into his junior season, coming off a 1,000 yard sophomore season. He led Clemson in receiving yardage last year with those 1,030 yards on 57 receptions and six touchdowns. He ranked seventh in the nation in yards per reception with 18.1, showing off his value as a deep threat for Clemson. A versatile and dynamic receiver, his presence will surely be missed by a team that was looking to make noise in 2015.
Head Coach Dabo Swinney addressed Williams prognosis once the results of the MRI were made public:
"“We received the results from the MRI and he has a small fracture. Mike is doing well, he can walk and will be at class tomorrow. He will wear a brace and will be reevaluated again in about six weeks. I can’t say how long he will be out. He might not be able to play the rest of this year. We will just have to see how it heals. We are very thankful that the overall prognosis is good that he will be able to play again at some point. I can’t say enough about our medical staff. They did a great job through the entire process.”"
Coming off a solid sophomore season, the 6’4 receiver was catching the eyes of NFL scouts and writers across the football sphere. While he did miss the Georgia Tech game last season, he finished with four 100 yard games and two multi-touchdown performances. His play earned him Second Team All-ACC by the college football media and a preseason First Team ranking.
Freshmen Ray-Ray McCloud, Deon Cain, Trevion Thompson and Hunter Renfrow will all get more looks from the staff in William’s absence.
NFL Mocks wishes Mike Williams the best of luck in his recovery and rehab.