Joel Williams, Former 4-Star Kentucky Defensive Back, Enters the Transfer Portal

After one week of Kentucky football camp, one player has already decided it’s time to move on. Joel Williams has entered the transfer portal, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.

Williams was a four-star recruit when the Baton Rouge native signed with the Wildcats in the class of 2020. He was ranked as the No. 20 cornerback in America and a Top 300 prospect by ESPN.

Over two years in Lexington Williams appeared in 16 games and recorded five tackles, mostly on special teams. Last summer Joel Williams was one of six players charged with first degree burglary stemming from an altercation at a frat party. They were later cleared of any wrongdoing by Lexington police, however, the lengthy suspension forced all six to miss about half of the 2021 season. Williams is the second player from that group to transfer, following offensive guard RJ Adams, who now plays for Georgia Tech.

The pressure was on Joel Williams to perform during preseason camp. Following Vito Tisdale‘s season-ending injury in spring practice, the nickel position was his for the taking. Zion Childress transferred from Texas State and freshman Alex Afari arrived on campus to challenge Williams, whose physical presence jumped out during Saturday’s open practice. The nickel position now appears to be in the hands of the two newcomers as Williams pursues other options. This blogger would not be surprised if he ended up transferring to a school closer to his Louisiana home.