Auburn star receiver D’haquille “Duke” Williams is back with the team after missing five practices, a scrimmage and Fan Day because of a “discipline issue.”
Coach Gus Malzahn announced Williams’ return at his press conference on Thursday, Aug. 13.
“He took care of his business off the field, what I had him doing,” Malzahn said. “He is in the process of every day earning his coaches’ and teammates’ respect.”
Although Williams is back on the field, that doesn’t mean he returns to the top spot on the depth chart, at least not immediately.
“He’s at the bottom of the depth chart and he’s going to have to earn his way back up,” Malzahn said. “He’s taken care of what he needs to take care of, but it’s a daily deal, just like everybody else on our team. They’re going to have to come out there and practice with a great attitude, great effort, and earn their playing time on the field.”
If Williams is able to regain his coaches’ trust and return to the top of the depth chart, it will provide a huge lift to the offense.
Williams caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns in 2014 but is likely in line for increased production in 2015 under new starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson.
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