Suspended offensive lineman Nick Speller did not return, however.
Alan Williams will play Saturday against Vanderbilt.
AMHERST – After more than two weeks away from his football team, University of Massachusetts wide receiver Alan Williams has returned from an academic-related suspension.
Williams was on the field for Tuesday evening’s practice at McGuirk Stadium, and coach Charley Molnar said the whole incident was no longer an issue as far as he was concerned.
“He looked good, fresh legs,” Molnar said. “I always like guys to grow from their experiences, and he seems contrite. Obviously he has taken a step in the right direction and it’s all been validated.”
Offensive lineman Nick Speller, however, remains suspended for academic issues. Molnar said Speller would have to be back on the field Wednesday to have a chance to play Saturday at Vanderbilt.
“We’re hoping that he jumps through the hoops that he needs to jump through,” Molnar said. “He’s been away for a couple weeks and he would be rusty. He’ll be way behind if he doesn’t show up by (Wednesday).”
Molnar said Williams will have the opportunity to compete for a starting position and will definitely play Saturday.
“He’s got to earn his way back ..." Molnar said.
Williams (19 catches, 305 yards, three touchdowns in five games) said Molnar wanted to make sure he would graduate in December – something he is now on track to do – with a degree in sociology.
“It sucked being out. It was terrible, but it felt good knowing that (Molnar) wants me to succeed in the classroom,” Williams said. “I may not like it now, but it’ll be worth it when December comes around.”
ONE-LINERS
Linebacker Greg Hilliard could be out for the year with a shoulder injury, and Molnar said the team would begin exploring a medical redshirt for him … Defensive tackle Galen Clemons passed the first step of required concussion testing Tuesday morning and practiced later … Safety Ed Saint-Vil will not play Saturday after his injured leg was too sore for him to do much at practice … Former NFL No. 1 pick Tim Couch will provide the color commentary for Saturday's television broadcast.