Larry Williams Awaits Response from NCAA as OSU Future Hangs in the Balance

Larry Williams doesn’t know what his future holds – yet.

Williams, an offensive lineman, is seeking another year of eligibility after suffering his second season-ending injury in as many years. He’s waiting on the NCAA to approve a rule that will allow him to receive a medical redshirt.

Williams started the first five games in 2016 before a knee injury shortened his season; he was only able to make an appearance in the Alamo Bowl weeks afterward.

He reportedly suffered a broken leg in a September practice, putting himself in a familiar and undesirable territory for 2017.

Now about 85-90 percent healthy, Williams participated in Oklahoma State’s Pro Day on Thursday in the Sherman E. Smith Training Center. He said he’s progressing to getting his ankle fully healthy, but thought things went well for him.

After the drills ended, players spread across the field for interviews. Williams was one of the players available, and he provided an update on the status of his situation.

“I’m kinda just in a little gray area,” Williams said. “Am I leaving? Am I coming back? I’m really just waiting on them to see how it’s going, and I’m just going to keep working until then.”

Williams said if he gets the extra year, he wants to come back. However, he added if a team were willing to give him a shot in the NFL, he’d likely move on.

Mike Gundy and Co. are depending on Williams to return so he can be a leader and mentor for many of the offensive lineman who will likely take the places of Zach Crabtree, Aaron Cochran, and Brad Lundblade.

Offensive line coach Josh Henson and Williams discussed the situation about a month ago. Henson called Ben Dyson, Oklahoma State’s Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, who said there was a 70-75 percent chance he’ll get his year back.

“Until then, I was kinda shaky,” Williams said. “Am I really coming back? Or is it just over?”