Maxx Williams declares for NFL Draft

Williams played in 25 games for the Gophers and ends his college career with 61 receptions for 986 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams was named first-team All-American and first-team Academic All-American in 2014, and became just the third sophomore ever to be named a Mackey Award Finalist, honoring the nation's top tight ends.

"We appreciate all that Maxx and his family have done for the program," Gophers head coach Jerry Kill said in a statement. "They are great people and we wish nothing but the best for Maxx as he begins his professional career. Maxx has been an integral part in laying the foundation for our program and has helped move our team forward."

The redshirt sophomore from Waconia, Minn. is a natural-born playmaker who made an immediate impact as a freshman, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass in his first collegiate game against UNLV.

"We never pushed football on Maxx," his father, Brian Williams said. "It literally just came natural."

Maxx Williams finished his Gophers career with a  highlight-reel catch against Missouri in the Citrus Bowl, hurdling two defenders en route to a 54-yard touchdown.

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