LT Williams expected to play

AUSTIN – Texas coach Tom Herman on Monday announced All-American left tackle Connor Williams is expected to make his long-awaited return “barring a setback” on Saturday against 24thranked West Virginia.

The junior has missed UT’s last seven games since sustaining a knee injury (torn meniscus, sprained MCL and PCL) in the second quarter against Southern Cal. In his first two seasons, Williams started at left tackle in 23 of a possible

24 games and graded out as one of the nation’s top offensive linemen last season according to Pro Football Focus.

Despite the injury, Williams is still viewed as a potential first-round pick should he choose to declare for the 2018 NFL draft. Herman declined to comment on whether they had discussed that possibility.

“I’d rather keep my conversations with Connor private,” he said.

Senior Tristan Nickelson made three starts at left tackle, while sophomore Denzel Okafor earned four during Williams’ absence. The pair could now find themselves part of a rotation at right tackle along with freshman Derek Kerstetter, per Herman.

Kerstetter was named one of three players of the game, along with receiver Lorenzo Joe and nickelback Antwaun Davis, for his strong performance in UT’s 42-27 win over Kansas.