You won’t find many lead backs at the FBS level with a path like Louisville’s Malik Williams.

In fact, Williams has only been playing running back for two years. He was primarily a wide receiver and defensive back at Hunt (NC) High School. At his first junior college stop at Merced College, he played safety. Finally, at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA, where Williams transferred to live with his grandparents, he was back at wide receiver.

Just five games into his sophomore season at Allan Hancock, an injury to the team’s starting running back provided an opportunity for Williams to move into the backfield — and the rest is history.

“Once the coaches moved me to running back, I started getting recruited,” Williams said ahead of playing in the Tropical Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL, on Sunday. “That’s when I found a home at Louisville."

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Williams went on to lead his Allen Hancock team in rushing with 525 yards and five touchdowns while also recording 42 tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions as a cornerback. He was named first-team All-California.

Williams’ first season at Louisville was a relatively quiet one on the offensive side of the ball. But, in 2017, following the graduation of Brandon Radcliff, it was the Wilson, NC, native's turn to shine.

After not logging a single carry in the UL's opener against Purdue, Williams exploded in week two at North Carolina, rushing for 149 yards on 13 carries. He’d go on to total 697 yards of offense and four touchdowns — and his 531 rushing yards led all Cardinals not named Lamar Jackson.

“It has been quite a journey,” he said. “I’m proud to have earned my bachelor’s degree while playing for Louisville — and seeing the smiles I’ve put on my parents face while doing it.”

I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my collegiate journey, and a big thanks to card nation. coming to Louisville was the greatest decision ever, I’ve made so many bonds and enjoyed my time here. can’t wait to see what’s next #BuiltDifferent #L1C4 #GoCards pic.twitter.com/En6VxYAH5Q

— Malik Williams (@M4_Ville) December 31, 2017

After a gruesome wrist injury suffered on Oct. 5 at NC State, some assumed Williams may be out for the rest of the season. Incredibly, he returned to game action just 23 days after the incident.

In the Cardinals’ Nov. 18 matchup with Syracuse, Williams took the second play of the game 46 yards to the house — kick-starting the best day of his college career, during which he rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries.

At 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, with varying experience at as many as four different positions and a demonstrated willingness to contribute on special teams, Williams possesses a rare level of adaptability and athleticism that will undoubtedly pique the interest of talent evaluators this weekend — and into the spring and summer.

“I’ll play any position, any system, as long as it’s football,” Williams said. “What motivated me to play in [the Tropical Bowl] was just the passion for the game. I love football. To come out here with a bunch of talented guys from different schools is exciting enough.”