North Carolina standout running back Javonte Williams said Saturday that he will skip the Orange Bowl and declare for the NFL draft.
Williams rushed for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns on 157 carries in 11 games this season. He also caught 25 passes for 305 yards and three scores.
“Thank you Coach (Mack) Brown and the staff for giving me countless opportunities to display my talents,” Williams said, in part, in his announcement on his Instagram account. “… Thank you to the University of North Carolina for the last three years, which have been filled with memories that will last a lifetime.”
In his three seasons with the Tar Heels, Williams rushed for 2,297 yards and 29 touchdowns and also had 50 receptions for 539 yards and four scores.
Williams is projected to be a second-round pick in the NFL draft.
Williams is the fourth key North Carolina player to opt out of the Orange Bowl, set for Jan. 2 versus Texas A&M. Also skipping the game to prepare for the draft are running back Michael Carter, receiver Dyami Brown and linebacker Chazz Surratt.