Ricky Williams on UT AD switch: "Change is good"

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Ricky Williams definitely wants University of Texas athletics restored to where it used to be.

Williams was a UT star from 1995 through 1998, winning the Heisman in 1998 before embarking on a 12-year NFL career where he totaled over 10,000 yards rushing. He was in town Thursday night as the National Football Foundation honored UT alumnus and benefactor Joe Jamail by inducting Jamail into their Leadership Hall of Fame.

Williams has witnessed the highs and lows of the Texas program. Currently, the Longhorns program is in a state of transition as they made a change earlier this week with a parting of the ways with Athletic Director Steve Patterson. Mike Perrin is the interim AD in Patterson's place.

"There's a lot of change," Williams said. "I'm a believer that change is good and hopefully, we can take advantage of the new Athletic Director and really get our sports programs back on track. It's been a rough couple of years for Texas exes and I think we're ready for things to turn around.

"It's school pride," he added. "It's pride in Texas. It's pride in the city of Austin. One of the things that I've noticed is when the Longhorns are playing well and they're winning, everyone in Austin is happy, right? Everything seems to run smoother. If we can get back on track, there's good things in the future for us."