Texas A&M running back's family rescued by helicopter in Houston

C.E. King graduate and Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams (right) told the story Tuesday about how his family in east Houston was rescued from its home by the Coast Guard. C.E. King graduate and Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams (right) told the story Tuesday about how his family in east Houston was rescued from its home by the Coast Guard. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close Texas A&M running back's family rescued by helicopter in Houston 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M sophomore running back Trayveon Williams is trying to prepare for playing at UCLA on Sunday night, be he has much more pressing things on his mind this week.

Williams said his family "actually got rescued by the Coast Guard, they had a helicopter come and get them."

Williams said his family members were lifted up in a basket to safety in east Houston.

"I'm thankful for the guys who assisted," Williams said. "(My family) is safe at a shelter."

Williams attended C.E. King before last year becoming the first true freshman in A&M history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. His thoughts naturally have been back home over the past few days.

"The house isn't in the best shape right now, the first floor is water-damaged," Williams said. "But as long they're safe, that's all that matters."

Texas A&M RB Trayveon Williams on his parents being rescued by helicopter in Houston #Harvey2017: pic.twitter.com/HXAlVF3y3o — Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) August 29, 2017

Williams said his family members have told him just to concern himself with opening the season at UCLA.

"It's game week," he said. "I'm not going to have that burden on me ... I have to get ready mentally and physically for that. I'm just praying, staying with my God and hoping for the best."

A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said he's fortunate A&M has the resources in place to help players cope with worries about the flooding in the Houston area and how it's impacting family.

"They can't get to see their families, and their families can't get to see them," Sumlin said. "(It's) what's really important right now. I know we've got a huge game coming up, but without us addressing these things, the personal part of the relationships, I don't know where these guys' heads would be.

"There's a little bit more than just football season starting right now."