GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina senior wide receiver Jimmy Williams has been granted a medical hardship waiver by the American Athletic Conference and will be eligible to compete during the 2017 season. The conference's approval of his waiver request means his participation in two contests as a true freshman during the 2013 campaign will not count as an exhausted year of eligibility.

Williams experienced action in Pirate victories at North Carolina and Middle Tennessee on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, respectively, before suffering a season-ending foot injury against the Blue Raiders.

While the Washington, N.C. native was ECU's third-leading pass catcher in 2016 with 45 receptions, his 818 yards stood second on the unit. Williams was the Pirates' big play threat with a unit-best 18.8 yards-per-catch average and co-led the squad with eight touchdown grabs during the fall. He also turned in three 100-yard receiving games as East Carolina's starter at the 'Z' position, including a career-high 179-yard effort at Virginia Tech.

In his 30-game career, Williams has netted 87 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's had multiple catches in 23 contests and enjoys a current streak of at least one reception in 13-straight outings.

-ECU Press Release