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PRINT THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE Friday, January 9, 1998 Texas' Ricky Williams returning for senior season By CHIP BROWN / AP Sports Writer AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas running back Ricky Williams, the nation's leading rusher and scorer, said today he'll be back for his senior year to play for new coach Mack Brown. Williams, an All-American who ran for 1,863 yards and 25 touchdowns, decided to return even though he was told he would've been the first running back taken in the NFL draft, perhaps as early as the No. 4 pick. "When I came here three years ago, I set a lot of personal and team goals -- to win a lot of games, maybe win the Heisman and get my degree -- and that's why I've decided to come back for another year," Williams said. A crowd of more than 150 attended the campus news conference and cheered the decision. Brown, who replaced John Mackovic as coach, exclaimed: "We have just had a successful recruiting year!" Williams, who spends his summers as a minor-league baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies, had said Wednesday he was leaning toward going pro. However, he also said he's taken out a $2.8 million insurance policy to protect him against a careerending injury. "I'm not afraid of getting hurt," he said. "You can't live life like that. Money can't buy friends, fun and loyalty." Williams said he spoke to several other players who faced the same decision. He said he was most inspired by Andre Wadsworth of Florida State, who told Williams how much fun he had as a senior. Among Williams' top personal goals is the Division I career rushing record of 6,082 yards set by Pittsburgh's Tony Dorsett from 1973-76. He needs 1,928 yards, 35 more than he ran for as a junior. When asked Thursday if he knew how close he was, Williams said: "I think it's like 1,926 yards," he said. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1998, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:

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