Tennessee senior Dee Williams is one of the Vols’ most electric playmakers and flipped their win over Texas A&M with a 39-yard punt return for a touchdown.
But despite Williams’ special teams prowess, he’s never broken the lineup at cornerback since transferring to Tennessee from East Mississippi Community College ahead of the 2022 season.
Unable to get on the field at corner and electric with the ball in his hands is a recipe for a position change and it sounds like we just might be getting one.
Williams was asked about the possibility of him playing on the offensive side of the ball after the game and implied that it could be coming.
“Yes,” Williams said on if he wants to play offense. “When that time comes I’ll be ready for it.”
There was also this quote from Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright in his postgame press conference.
“Dee is electric with the ball in his hands,” Wright said. “I think that’s a big reason why he’s on the offensive side of the ball now. He’s very electric. If you get the ball in his hands he’s going to make plays for sure.”
And then this X (Twitter) post from Tennessee receiver’s coach Kelsey Pope from the locker room after the win over Texas A&M which showed Williams with the rest of the Vols’ receivers.
Vol Nation that was an incredible showing by you guys tonight! Awesome team win tonight! 1-0 #GBO pic.twitter.com/o7xFlbBPVO
— Kelsey Pope (@CoachKelseyPope) October 15, 2023
All those factors combined make it clear that Williams has moved to the offensive side of the ball, but what could an offensive role for him look like? And when would we see it?
Williams would obviously be a running back or receiver but receiver looks like the much more likely possibility. Tennessee is already overloaded with talented running backs and it’s been hard for them to give all three of Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson snaps that match their skill level.
But there’s no obvious spot for Williams at receiver either. Tennessee isn’t great at receiver, especially after Bru McCoy’s injury, but Williams has a slot receiver build and skillset. But that’s not Tennessee’s need at receiver. Squirrel White is obviously the Vols’ best receiver and he plays exclusively in the slot.
There’s lots of details for Tennessee to iron out but Williams working with the offense is at least something worth keeping an eye out for as the season progresses. Does Williams think his opportunity on offense could come soon?
“Yes,” he said emphatically postgame.
While Williams hasn’t earned a role on offense or defense yet in his Tennessee career, he continues to be fantastic on special teams. Before Williams gave the Vols a lead they wouldn’t relinquish with a punt return touchdown, he downed a Jackson Ross punt at the one-yard which set up his eventual 39-yard return.
The senior’s commitment to detail on special teams as a veteran with no role at his natural position speaks highly to his character and preparation. When Tennessee need him most, Williams delivered.
