Former Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley “Boom” Williams is having a rough entrance to the NFL.
After joining the Bengals as an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams lasted just two preseason games before being waived on Sunday. It wasn’t a big surprise since he joined a backfield that includes Joe Mixon, Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard, Tra Carson and Cedric Peerman. All of those guys have gotten most of the running back snaps in training camp and the preseason thus far.
Williams gave up his final season of eligibility and entered this year’s draft as a true junior after three memorables year in Lexington. He finished his college career with 2,511 rushing yards, which ranks seventh on the school’s career rushing list. He had an explosive final season in leading the Cats with 1,170 rushing yards, making him just the ninth player in school history to surpass 1,000 yards in a season.
Williams finished with 3,314 career all-purpose yards, including 38 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns, and 511 kickoff return yards. He ranks 11th on the school’s all-time career rushing touchdowns with 18 and fourth in career 100-yard games with 11. Williams’ seven rushing touchdowns of at least 50 yards are the most for a Wildcat dating back to 1955.
Hopefully, this is just a minor setback for a major comeback with another NFL team.