State sports briefs

Hogs gets grad transfer RB from Gamecocks

Former South Carolina running back David Williams announced Friday evening on Twitter his plans to play his last season of eligibility at Arkansas.

Williams, a graduate transfer, will have immediate eligibility to play for the Hogs this fall. He signed with the Gamecocks out of Imhotep Institute Charter High School in Philadelphia in 2013.

He had 188 carries for 794 yards and 5 touchdowns in his career at South Carolina. He was he the team’s third-leading rusher this past season with 56 carries for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns after losing his starting job to A.J. Turner. Williams also had 27 receptions for 264 yards.

ESPN rated him a 4-star prospect, No. 13 running back and the No. 131 overall prospect in the nation out of high school.

Williams, 6-1, 220 pounds, announced his plans to transfer in early January and soon afterward committed to Connecticut on Jan. 24. He made an official visit to Fayetteville during the June 2-4 weekend.

He’s expected to compete for playing time with sophomore Devwah Whaley and freshmen Maleek Williams and Chase Hayden. The Razorbacks were in the hunt for additional depth at running back after All-SEC performer Rawleigh Williams III decided to give up football after suffering a second neck injury during the last spring practice on April 29.

David Williams’ single-game career-high of 110 yards came as a freshman against Furman. Williams will have a chance to play against the Gamecocks when the Razorbacks visit South Carolina on Oct. 7.

GOLF

Eppinette, Ott ASGA Junior champions

Ethan Eppinette of Texarkana and Casey Ott of Conway each held on for one-stroke victories Friday to win Arkansas State Golf Association Junior Amateur championships at Texarkana Country Club.

Eppinette finished 2-over 146 and held off Palmer McSpadden of Fayetteville by a stroke. McSpadden had the low round of the day, shooting a 3-under 69.