Where there's a will, there's a way: Gridiron player turns hurdler to produce amazing touchdown

When it comes to avoiding defenders gridiron players know every trick in the book.

Whether it's taking advantage of a block from teammates or simply calling on their evasive skills, the heavily padded footballers take full advantage of the adage: where there's a will there's a way.

And so it proved for Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, who turned hurdler to score a spectacular touchdown in the Golden Gophers' Citrus Bowl clash with Missouri on New Year's Day.

Snapping up a throw from Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner, Williams scurried down the sideline toward the end zone.

Then, with a touchdown beckoning, a Tiger's defender zoomed into range and looked certain to grass him with a cover tackle, only for Williams to show a clean pair of heels and hurdle his rival to complete a spectacular 54 yard (49m) play.

The six pointer gave Minnesota a brief 14-13 lead in the third quarter and hopes of a victory.

However, it proved to be the only ray of light for the Gophers on a dark day with Missouri eventually running away with the match in the final quarter for a 33-17 win.