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Tennessee return specialists Dee Williams declares for 2024 NFL Draft

IMG_3593by:Grant Ramey•01/04/24•

GrantRamey

Dee Williams
Credit: SEC Network

Tennessee football return man Dee Williams has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, announcing the decision on social media. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound senior appeared in 22 games with the Vols over the last two seasons after transferring from East Central Community College in Mississippi. 

Williams returned 35 punts, taking two back for touchdowns, and 13 kickoffs over the last two seasons, averaging 15.4 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kick return. 

On defense he recorded six tackles — six solo, one assisted — and had one forced fumble. He made a brief move to wide receiver this season, catching two passes for 10 yards.

Williams is the fourth Tennessee player to declare for the draft, joining running backs Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small and quarterback Joe Milton.

‘I want to express what a blessing it has been to play for the University of Tennessee’

Williams posted a statement on social media addressing his draft decision:

First off, I would like to give God the most praise for guiding me through this journey and granting me the ability to play this game at a high level. My path has not been easy, but through everything I want to express what a blessing it has been to play for the University of Tennessee these past two years. Playing in front of the best fan base in the country has been an incredible honor.

To my family, thank you for being part of my journey every step of the way. I would not be here today without your love and support.

To Coach Heup, all of the special teams coaches, and my teammates, thank you giving me the opportunity to be the playmaker that I am. I will cherish the relationships that I have built with you, and I am forever grateful that you took a chance on me.

With that said, am grateful to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Williams returned a punt for a touchdown in both seasons at Tennessee

Williams in two seasons at Tennessee took two punts back for touchdowns, averaging 15.4 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kick return, appearing in 22 games for the Vols. 

This season he returned 20 punts for 259 yards, averaging 13.0 yards per return with a long of 55. He had a game-changing 39-yard punt return for a touchdown in the 20-13 win over Texas A&M on October 14 at Neyland Stadium.

In 2022 he returned 15 punts for 281 yards and one touchdown, a 73-yarder at Vanderbilt in the regular-season finale. He averaged 18.7 yards per return while appearing in nine games.

Williams returned 13 kicks over his two seasons at Tennessee for 274 yards and a long of 34.

After missing time early in the year with a hamstring injury, Williams caught his first punt at LSU in October and took it back 58 yards before being brought down at the 26-yard line. 

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