Indiana freshman quarterback Dexter Williams II is out for at least the rest of spring practice with a torn ACL, IU coach Tom Allen said Monday during a Zoom press conference. Allen said the injury occurred in a non-contact situation in practice.
Williams saw no game action in the 2020 season but was expected to get extensive work in the spring with junior Michael Penix Jr. still recovering from an ACL tear suffered in November. He and redshirt sophomore Jack Tuttle were expected to get most of the reps with the first team.
“It’s unfortunate and I feel for Dexter and I know he’s disappointed,” offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said. “But he has faith and trust that there’s a bigger plan and he’s going to come back stronger than ever. Certainly, his development doesn’t stop mentally. Physically, you just have to make sure you’re doing the best you can considering the injury. We’re going to continue to develop Dexter. He’s got a great attitude. He’s got a great heart. He’s a great kid.”
Williams was the No. 21 dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2020 according to 247Sports.com. Allen said the injury could lead to more work early for Lawrence North quarterback Donaven McCulley, but he doesn’t arrive until fall. There are three walk-on quarterbacks in camp and they will have to handle the work behind Tuttle for the rest of the spring.
Allen said he and his staff have had discussions about looking at the transfer market to add depth at the position, but that with three scholarship quarterbacks still available — presuming Penix’s recovery continues to go as planned — he believes that should be enough to get the Hoosiers through the season.
