Mississippi State cornerback Tyler Williams opting out of football season

Williams was likely to be a starter for the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State will be without the services of defensive back Tyler Williams in 2020. 

Williams, a junior that had a strong chance to start at cornerback for the Bulldogs, has opted out of playing this season. According to a report from The Clarion Ledger, Williams' mother said her son won't play due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Mississippi State confirmed Williams’ decision on Friday night.

“We understand and respect Tyler’s decision,” MSU head coach Mike Leach said in a statement. “During the Fall semester, Tyler will continue to work toward earning his undergraduate degree.”

Though Williams won’t play football this season, his scholarship will continue to be honored by Mississippi State.  The Southeastern Conference announced last month that would be the case for any athlete that opts out this fall.

Williams becomes the first Bulldog to opt out of playing this season. Leach told reporters on Tuesday he wasn't aware of any of his players considering opting out.

"But they’re certainly welcome to exercise their right to do that," Leach said.

Now, Williams has. 

It leaves Mississippi State with an incredibly inexperienced group at cornerback. Sophomore Martin Emerson, who started five games a year ago, is expected to start on one side, however the other starting spot – the one that once had a good chance to be filled by Williams – now could go in multiple directions.

"It’s an open competition there," MSU defensive coordinator Zach Arnett said of the cornerback spot opposite Emerson on Thursday night. "(Cornerbacks coach Darcel) McBath is giving everyone a shot there. We’ll see who performs the best."

There are multiple candidates for the role and many of them are first-year guys. Some possibilities include sophomore Esaias Furdge, as well as freshmen Emmanuel Forbes, Decamerion Richardson and Javorrious Selmon.

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