NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Wide receiver Roydell Williams of Tulane has undergone surgery on his left ankle soon and will miss the remainder of the 2002 football season, according to Green Wave head coach Chris Scelfo.
Williams, a junior from LaPlace, La., suffered a fracture of the distal tibia in his left leg late in the fourth quarter of Tulane's 24-20 loss to East Carolina last Saturday. Prior to the injury, he posted his top performance of the season with 10 receptions for 87 yards. He was honored as the team's offensive player of the week by the Green Wave coaching staff.
"It's a loss for our team, no question, from the standpoint of his productivity, his leadership and his work ethic," Scelfo said. "It's a big loss for him. He has worked really hard and was looking forward to this year. He had a great summer. It is a disappointing time for him and his family. For our team, it is a loss of a lot of production."
Williams had 15 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown, and has caught 97 passes for 1,375 yards and 14 scores in his career.
Dr. Michael Brunet, the team physician and reknowned orthopedic surgeon, performed the operation at Tulane University Hospital.
Scelfo said that with Williams' injury, some of Tulane's younger receivers will have a more prominent role.
Redshirt freshman Cletus McGee has backed up Williams this season and caught his first career pass against ECU. A trio of true freshmen -- Gary Malone, Bubba Terranova and Damarcus Davis --- will also get more attention.
"When you lose someone like Roydell, obviously it is a blow to you," Scelfo said. "We have to adjust on offense and get some other guys ready. Somebody will step up."
Tulane will apply for a medical hardship waiver for Williams.
