Former 4-star Kentucky DB Joel Williams announces transfer to Memphis

Not even two weeks after his decision to transfer out of the Kentucky football program, Joel Williams has committed to the Memphis Tigers.

A four-star defensive back out of Madison Prep Academy (LA), Williams signed with the Wildcats in the 2020 class. He was ranked as the No. 31 cornerback in America and a Top 400 prospect by the On3 Consensus. The college junior announced the transfer news on Saturday night through his Twitter account.

Over two years in Lexington, Williams appeared in 16 games and recorded five tackles, mostly on special teams. Last summer, he was one of six players charged with first-degree burglary stemming from an altercation at a frat party. They were later cleared of any wrongdoing by Lexington police, however, the lengthy suspension forced all six to miss about half of the 2021 season. Williams is the second player from that group to transfer, following offensive guard RJ Adams, who now plays for Georgia Tech.

The pressure was on Williams to perform during preseason camp. Following Vito Tisdale‘s season-ending injury in spring practice, the nickel position was his for the taking. Zion Childress transferred from Texas State and freshman Alex Afari arrived on campus to challenge Williams, whose physical presence jumped out during Saturday’s open practice.

The nickel position now appears to be in the hands of the two newcomers as Williams pursues other options