Aranda Provides Update on Status of Safety, Carl Williams IV, Ahead of Auburn Opener

Head coach Dave Aranda provided an injury update on junior defensive back Carl Williams IV, saying, “I don’t think he’s going to be back” when asked if Williams IV is going to be ready for the season-opener against Auburn on Friday at 7 p.m. at McLane Stadium.

Williams IV missed five games last year with a meniscus injury and struggled with that same injury all throughout the offseason, missing spring practices and parts of fall camp.

The coaching staff believes Williams IV is one of the top players on the defense when healthy, and he’s expected to be the starter at the STAR position upon return, with sixth-year senior Kendrick Simpkins and junior DJ Coleman backing him up. Williams IV posted 35 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and one sack as a sophomore in 2024.