AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn running back D.J. Williams is the SEC Freshman of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
Averaging 10 yards per carry, Williams gained 130 yards on 13 rushes against LSU, adding 21 receiving yards on two catches.
"Really did a solid job," said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, who also awarded Williams the Tigers' offensive helmet sticker for the LSU game. "Really his first action on an extended basis in a tough environment. Thought he did some great things, held on to the football and ran with physicality."
On Auburn's last run of the first half and first run of the second half, Williams gained 111 yards, flashing the ability that earned him a scholarship offer from the Tigers last fall, the start of a barrage of Power Five offers late in the recruiting process.
"It's been great," said Williams of his journey to the Plains. "My coaches always told me that I was good enough, always kept me positive, so I ended up here."
Williams picked up 41 yards in the final minute of the first half, allowing the Tigers to take a shot at the end zone.
Williams raced 70 yards on the Tigers' first play of the third quarter, setting up Anders Carlson's field goal that gave Auburn a 13-10 lead.
"He performed outstandingly in his first time of extended play," Malzahn said. "He'll have more opportunities."
After three straight road games, Auburn returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday to play Ole Miss at 6 p.m. CT, the first of four consecutive November home games to conclude the regular season.
Williams' recognition continues Auburn's streak of winning SEC awards after each game this season.
"My coaches always told me that I was good enough."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) October 27, 2019
🗣@djwilliams2366
First 100-yard rushing game for @AuburnFootball true freshman RB pic.twitter.com/Yh2SRxzPho
Oct. 21: Marlon Davidson (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Oct. 7: Derrick Brown (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 30: Bo Nix (Freshman of the Week), Mike Horton (Offensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 23: Derrick Brown (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 16: Marlon Davidson (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 9: Marlon Davidson (Defensive Lineman of the Week)
Sept. 2: Jeremiah Dinson (Defensive Player of the Week), Bo Nix (Freshman of the Week)
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer