Skip to main content

Leonard Williams insists return to USC is possible

Either USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is genuinely considering a return to school next year for his senior season, or he's taking Trojans fans for a bit of a ride.



Although NFL scouts have raved about Williams' potential and have offered comparisons to the likes of former New England Patriots star Richard Seymour, Williams says he's isn't quite sure entering the 2015 NFL Draft is the right move.

"I definitely wanted it to come to this point," the junior told The Los Angeles Times. "Now that I'm at this point, I feel like I'm not finishing what I started. I feel like I'm getting cut short."

Williams overcame minor injuries this season to make 71 tackles, second on the team, with six sacks and three forced fumbles. He has experience both inside at tackle and outside as an end, showing versatility that will be yet another appeal for NFL clubs -- whenever that time might come. Williams said caring for his 2-year-old daughter is another consideration in his decision.

"Once you go to the NFL it's like, you're done," Williams said. "You're part of the real world. You're grown up."

College underclassmen face a Jan. 15 deadline to declare whether they are entering the draft.

It's not the first time Williams has shown an inclination to return to college. After losing to rival UCLA for the third time in a row, Williams said he might come back to college just for a final chance to beat the Bruins.

Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*.