Syracuse star defensive back Trill Williams will forgo the season’s final four games, and enter the NFL draft, the junior announced on Twitter Wednesday.
The move mirrors his close friend and fellow DB Andre Cisco, who opted out of the season after sustaining a season-ending injury. Williams was also sidelined with injury, but it’s unclear how severe the injury is, or if it factored into the decision. Both Williams and Cisco figure to be strong NFL prospects.
Williams was a prized recruit in the class of 2018, a four-star rated as the No. 3 player in New York. The Yonkers native panned out in a big way, showing a rare combination of ball-hawking speed and physical tackling. Williams is large for a defensive back, at 6-2 198 pounds. His 40-yard dash has been clocked at 4.34 seconds, and his vertical leap reaches 40 inches. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman placed his 16th on his annual Freaks List.
Williams finishes his SU career with four interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. His three forced fumbles last season ranked 16th in college football. This one will go down as the signature play of his three seasons:
Syracuse sits at 1-6. Williams’ opt-out is yet another body blow for a team that has already lost its starting quarterback and All-American safety.
