The Seattle Seahawks are in need of a new kick and punt returner following the departure of running back DeeJay Dallas to the Arizona Cardinals. With new kickoff rules designed to encourage returns, we may see new renewed importance on having a quality returner. One of Seattle’s undrafted free agents may provide that spark.
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Tennessee’s Dee Williams was more of a punt return standout than kick returner in college, but you’d rather be forcing more punts (didn’t give up points) than kickoffs (gave up points unless it’s an opening kick of the half or overtime). Over two seasons with the Vols, Williams averaged over 15 yards per punt return, bringing two back for touchdowns. He would’ve led all of college football in punt return average in 2022 if not for injury, which meant he didn’t play enough games to qualify.
The touchdown against Texas A&M also came after he downed a Tennessee punt at the 1-yard line, so he set up his own short return and subsequent house call.
This return against South Carolina was nullified for a penalty, but it was nevertheless a spectacular showcase of his speed an elusiveness.
In his final season, Williams was one of the best among Power 5 schools (Big XII, SEC, Pac-12, ACC, Big Ten) in punt return yards and second among SEC players.
Final Power 5 Stat Leaderboard (Punt Return Yards)
1. Xavier Worthy, Texas (371)
2. Zachariah Branch, USC (332)
3. Keon Coleman, Florida State (300)
4. Ainias Smith, Texas A&M (285)
5. Dee Williams, Tennessee (259) pic.twitter.com/tOVYZ4ENta— CFB Home (@CFBHome) January 16, 2024
The one barrier for Williams that may make or break his chances of getting on the Seahawks roster is the fact that he didn’t hold down a regular role outside of special teams. Williams is listed as a wide receiver by the Seahawks, but at Tennessee he started out as a defensive back, recording very limited statistics in a backup role. He did get switched out to wide receiver in the middle of 2023, but he only caught two passes for 10 yards.
While there is definitely some intrigue as far as possibly making Williams a gadget receiver on offense, his primary skill is returning kicks and punts. It’ll be an open competition to see who replaces Dallas, but throughout the next few months it is worth keeping an eye on Williams. I hope he makes it into preseason so we get to see him in action, because he is the most exciting player from Seattle’s 2024 UDFA class.
