Williams practices at OLB

Texas Tech running back Kenny Williams, the Red Raiders' leading rusher in 2013, practiced at Raider outside linebacker on Friday, sources tell RedRaiderSports.com.

Williams started 12 of Texas Tech's 13 games last season, rushing for 497 yards and eight touchdowns on 125 carries.

The rising senior, according to sources, initiated the move and approached the Red Raider coaching staff with the idea.

Williams could be an answer at the outside linebacker spot, eliminating an area of uncertainty in Matt Wallerstedt's defense. The team returns starters Pete Robertson (Bandit) and Sam Eguavoen (Will) but entered the spring needing to replace departing seniors Terrance Bullitt (Raider) and Will Smith (Mike).

If the move sticks, Williams will likely be competing with Austin Stewart, Dorian Crawford and others for the top spot on the depth chart.

Williams' move to defense leaves the Red Raiders with junior DeAndre Washington (450 yards in 2013) and sophomore Quinton White (130 yards in 2013) left to divide the bulk of the carries in the spring. The program signed Justin Stockton and Demarcus Felton in February, and both incoming freshmen will likely factor in on some level as well.