Harvey Williams arrived at LSU with speed and high expectations. He left with 2,860 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns and a career that might have been even bigger without two serious injuries. In between, he helped LSU win an SEC championship and gave Tiger fans some unforgettable runs.

A freshman on a championship team

Williams led LSU in rushing in 1986 with 700 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 272 yards. Against Georgia, he gained 133 yards on 24 carries and scored a touchdown. The Tigers went on to claim the SEC title, their first since 1970.

Football News named Williams a Freshman All American. The Knoxville News Sentinel selected him for its All Freshman SEC team.

The season that showed his range

As a sophomore in 1987, Williams rushed for 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns on 154 carries. He averaged 6.5 yards per rush and added 20 catches for 188 yards and another touchdown.

His biggest plays came in bursts. Williams ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries against Rice. He gained 165 yards against Ole Miss, including a 76 yard touchdown run.

His return to form

A serious knee injury in the final game of the 1987 season led to surgery and kept Williams out for all of 1988. A groin injury then limited him for much of 1989.

He returned for his senior season in 1990 and led LSU in rushing for the third time. Williams gained 953 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns. He ran for 213 yards against Kentucky and scored four rushing touchdowns against Miami of Ohio, tying LSU’s single game mark at the time.

UPI named him a first team All SEC selection in 1990. The Associated Press placed him on its second team. Kansas City selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft.

Why Williams belongs in the Top 100

Williams belongs on this list because he produced at every stage of his LSU career that injuries allowed him to play. He led the Tigers in rushing three times, helped them win the 1986 SEC championship and finished with 2,860 rushing yards despite missing an entire season. His explosive 1987 campaign and strong senior return secured his place among LSU’s most accomplished running backs.

Sources

LSU Athletics, Harvey Williams player biography⁠. 

LSU Athletics, Football annual statistical leaders⁠. 

LSU Athletics, LSU football championship seasons⁠. 

Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, Harvey Williams profile⁠.