Maxx Williams is entering the 2015 NFL Draft, the Golden Gophers announced via a press release Friday afternoon.
The redshirt sophomore tight end was the Gophers’ leading receiver this season. He capped off his final year in maroon and gold with seven receptions for 98 yards and a highlight reel touchdown in Minnesota’s 33-17 loss to Missouri in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBIeKJPFs-M
“We appreciate all that Maxx and his family have done for the program,” Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said in the statement. “They are great people and we wish nothing but the best for Maxx as he begins his professional career. Maxx has been an integral part in laying the foundation for our program and has helped move our team forward.”
For the season, the former Waconia High School star caught 36 passes for 569 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Star Tribune says Williams could be the first tight end selected in the draft – possibly in the first round.
He wasn’t concerned about where he’ll end up playing in the NFL though.
Maxx Williams today: “When you get a chance to play in the NFL, you can’t really complain about where you go. You are living the dream.’’
— PiPress Tim Leighton (@Preps_Now) January 3, 2015
Williams was one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, which goes to the best tight end in the country. Florida State’s Nick O’Leary, who caught just one pass for four yards in the Seminoles’ 39-point loss to Oregon in Rose Bowl on Thursday, won the Mackey Award and was also named the AP First-Team tight end. Williams was named to the second team.
For a look at all of the awards Williams won this season, including Big Ten Tight End of the Year, click here.
All-American tight end Maxx Williams to enter NFL Draft: http://t.co/TxJoGyQ4Ve pic.twitter.com/AKqAfffAle
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) January 2, 2015
