Javonte Williams opts out of Orange Bowl to stay fresh for 2021 NFL Draft

North Carolina star running back Javonte Williams has opted out of the Orange Bowl and will enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Javonte Williams has been the Tar Heels’ go-to back all season as he has had one of the better individual years in the ACC. Williams has run for 1,140 yards and punched into the endzone 19 times on the ground this season. Unfortunately for UNC, they will be without Williams in their upcoming Orange Bowl matchup against Texas A&M as he is opting out to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

When you think of running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft, there are three big names who generally come to mind first: Travis Etienne, Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris. However, after an outstanding 2020 season, do not be surprised to see Williams mentioned with those other premier backs in the class.

Williams has a unique skill set at the running back positions which will translate well to the next level. Standing at a pretty standard height for a running back at 5-foot-10, but weighs in around 220 pounds. Williams can be a bruiser in the open field with one-on-one tacklers and push that line of scrimmage with his strength at the line. Williams has very active feet which allows him to gain more and more yards by using his size as a bigger back.

Even though Javonte Williams is a bigger back at 220 pounds, he has wheels for his size. Williams comes at his opposing defenders like Lamborghini Uris with sharp quick turns and a bunch of horsepower to knock you on your feet. Many power style backs show little patience at the line of scrimmage, but this is where Williams differs. Williams has great patience and has the ability to stop on a dime at the line of scrimmage, make a quick jump cut, and break into the open field.

In the 2021 NFL Draft class, there are many guys in the backfield who have the ability to catch the ball in the backfield and in open space. That receiving ability is an area of potential improvement for Williams at the next level. Williams only had eight catches this year as the Tar Heels made their other tailback, Michael Carter, the primary receiving back for the team.

Williams shows a very similar game to all-time great Frank Gore who displays a lot of power, with agility and quickness to make quick cuts up the field. Splitting reps at UNC this season led to Williams not getting as much film as other backs in the 2021 NFL Draft class, but he definitely made every rep count.  It is unfortunate we will not be seeing No. 25 suit up at Hard Rock Stadium on New Year’s Day, but we will likely see this talented player taken early in the 2021 NFL Draft.