Russ Isabella – USA TODAY Sports
The Utah Utes are looking to become a more explosive offensive team in 2013 as they attempt to break through in the Pac 12. They will have to find someone to replace the production of John White who has been one of the premier running backs of the conference over the last two seasons. After an impressive performance in the spring game, is senior Karl Williams ready to be a major factor in 2013?
Williams has been an afterthought in the running game in the last two seasons as he’s seen most of his playing time as a fullback. The 6-foot, 240-pound running back is a burly runner, but has been effective when given the opportunity. Last season, Williams averaged 5.29 yards per carry as he gained 37 yards on seven carries while catching nine passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.
He put on a show for the Utah coaching staff during the spring game, perhaps opening the door for an expanded role in his senior season. The beefy back carried the ball 10 times for 101 yards, scoring on touchdown runs of 17 and eight yards. He was the bright spot of an otherwise unimpressive performance from the Utes’ offense in the scrimmage.
There is still plenty of work for him to find the field in 2013. The Utes will figure to give Kelvin York the majority of carries after he finished second on the team in rushing last year gaining 273 yards and scoring three touchdowns in eight games. Sophomore Jarrell Oliver and junior Lucky Radley also saw playing time in 2012 and could be in the mix for playing time in 2013.
The pecking order still has some sorting out to be done, but Karl Williams is doing his best to make a solid impression for his senior season. Can he keep the strong play going into next fall?
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