MADISON, Wis. -- The college career of Wisconsin cornerback James Williams is over before it ever really got started.

On Thursday the freshman defensive back announced that on Feb. 12 he will undergo career-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus that he suffered during his senior season at Chaminade Madonna Prep.

Gonna miss it so much ???? pic.twitter.com/0f9q7Egt7e — James Williams (@gf_jw5) February 7, 2020





"On September 11, (2019) I tore my meniscus and I being the person I am, and the way I love the game so much, I decided to continue to play and finsih out my senior season, Williams wrote. "After the season I decided to get surgery and I knew I would miss at least the first couple of games of my college career, but I was okay with that because I won my school a state championship and was all that mattered at the time.

"I did my rehab over the summer and the first two weeks of fall camp I tore my meniscus again. Had my second surgery for the same meniscus on August 23, (2019). After my second surgery, my knee didn't get any better and unfortunately I will be receiving my third surgery for my meniscus on February 12.

"Unfortunately, this surgery will lead to the end of my football career."

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Williams did not appear in any games for the Badgers as a true freshman last season.

A former three-star recruit, Williams chose UW over scholarship offers from Florida, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Louisville, Missouri, and others. He was a two-year captain at Chaminade-Madonna, winning state championships during his junior and senior seasons.

"It's very exciting," Williams told Badger247 last December about signing with Wisconsin. "I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. Watching my brother sign last year, I'm really just excited.

"I'm ready to bring my energy, my confidence, everything I've got to offer to Wisconsin and hopefully bring a national championship."