Williams announced his decision via Twitter, saying, “After many talks with my family and nights of prayer I have decided it would not be in my best interest to participate this season.”
Williams, who transferred to SMU this summer from Stanford, was expected to make a big impact on the Mustangs defensive line. He recored 24 tackles, one sack and six tackles for a loss last season after starting all 12 games for the Cardinal. A year before, he led all Stanford defensive linemen with 42 tackles on the season.
Williams was also a standout player for All Saints Episcopal school in Fort Worth.