UNC Football: Javonte Williams earns PFF honor for junior season

UNC Football running back Javonte Williams earned a big honor from Pro Football Focus following his big junior season in Chapel Hill

As the UNC Football program continues to prepare for the 2021 Orange Bowl against No. 5 Texas A&M, some players are earning some recognition for the regular season.

While it was an odd season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tar Heels finished with a 8-3 record and a No. 13 ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings. Their two losses to Florida State and Virginia hurt UNC from reaching the Top 10 but now they have a chance to make a statement next week.

One player that was crucial to UNC’s success this year is junior running back Javonte Williams who rushed for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He added an additional 25 receptions for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns.

For his play, Williams was honored by Pro Football Focus as they named him the 2020 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year:

Williams beat out several top candidates including Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne as well as Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book. Heck, he edged out teammates Michael Carter and Sam Howell as well.

The running back was snubbed from the All-ACC First Team and was not one of the three finalists for the Doak Walker award which honors the top running back in the country.

What Williams has done in his junior season is damn impressive. What’s even more impressive is he’s split carries with Carter as they have created a dynamic duo in the Tar Heels’ backfield.

With his stock on the rise in terms of the 2021 NFL Draft, Williams has the chance to make a big impression on the national stage in the Orange Bowl. A big performance could go a long way to hearing his name called earlier than he imagined in April’s draft.

For more on Williams and other UNC Football players, please make sure to check back with Keeping It Heel.