May 7, 2008

UTEP running back Jason Williams will have ankle surgery next week and will likely redshirt this fall, head coach Mike Price announced on Wednesday.

Williams suffered a fractured dislocated ankle in the Miners' annual spring game last Friday in the Sun Bowl. Surgery will be performed to stabilize the joint, and recovery time typically ranges from 3-6 months.

The 5-11, 200-pound Tyler, Texas native played for UTEP as a true freshman in 2006, and again in 2007. He owns 48 career carries for 154 yards.

"We're lucky that he hasn't used his redshirt year," Price said. "With our doctors as good as they are, we expect a full recovery, but it's going to take some time. He will probably be able to practice some this fall, but we're going to be careful with him."