Owatonna’s Williamson to Battle for Time at Running Back for Gophers

Owatonna's Jason Williamson wants to play running back for the University of Minnesota. Spring practice began this week for the Gophers and it's expected he will get reps in the offensive backfield at this time. Minnesota will likely return a pair of seniors at running back in the fall, but Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks are recovering from injuries currently according to 247sports.com.

The online sports service indicates that Williamson's numbers during his senior season with the Huskies opens up the door to being a Gophers' running back, "Jason was a guy that many saw being a defensive athlete at the next level, but his incredible production as a running back is earning him a long and serious look on the offensive side of the ball," they speculate.

Williamson rushed for over 3,000 in 2018 and scored 47 touchdowns while leading the Huskies' to their second straight state championship. More than 1,600 yards came during five playoff games where he averaged more than 10 yards per carry.

Owatonna football coach Jeff Williams said that Gophers' coach PJ Fleck told him Williamson will get a chance to make an impact as a running back. The other healthy running backs in spring ball include Mo Ibrahim, Bryce Williams and Nolan Edmonds according to 247sports.com.

Fleck announced that several practices will be open to the public, including Friday, March 15, Tuesday, March 26 and Tuesday, April 2. Each practice begins at 4:45 pm. Fans can also attend the spring game Saturday, April 13 at 11 am at TCF Bank Stadium.

Gophersports.com reports that a school-record 14 players, including Williamson, early enrolled at in order to be eligible for spring practice.