First-Year Profile: Mykel Williams
Georgia signed the nation’s No. 3 overall class in the 2022 recruiting cycle, per 247Sports. The Bulldogs inked 30 signees. So, over the next month, Dawg-Watch.com will be looking at Georgia’s incoming freshmen in a revamped series called “First-Year Profile.”
First, we will look at Mykel Williams, who was the Bulldogs’ highest-rated prospect in the 2022 class.
Ranking: Williams is the nation’s No. 4 overall prospect, No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 2 player in Georgia, per the 247Sports Composite.
Size: 6-foot-5, 260-pounds
Story: The Hardaway High School (GA.) product was once committed to Southern Cal, although the Bulldogs were able to flip him on Oct. 20, 2021, after he took an official visit to UGA four days prior. Williams signed on Dec. 15 and enrolled earlier this year on Jan. 17. His relationship with Georgia running backs coach Dell McGee, who previously coached in his hometown of Columbus, Ga., helped the Bulldogs complete the flip.
2022 Impact: Georgia will have to replace former players and 2022 NFL Draft first-round selections Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt and Travon Walker heading into next season. However, the Bulldogs return both Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, plus others such as Zion Logue, Nazir Stackhouse and MJ Sherman in 2022. Despite bringing back some experience on the defensive line, Williams can still make an impact for UGA next season.
He enrolled early in January and went through spring practices. Williams then played in the annual G-Day spring game and recorded one tackle. Heading into fall camp, he will likely have a leg up on that joined the program in June. A source tells Dawg-Watch that Williams caught on fast during the spring and impressed the Georgia coaching staff.
However, he will have to beat out some of the upperclassmen for shared snaps on Kirby Smart’s defense. Williams has great size and speed, which can help him find the field. It’s just a matter of learning the defensive scheme and seeing where he fits right now. Smart said back in the spring that Williams needs to know “what a six technique is and a nine technique is.”
Our best guess is that he will have to fill out his frame while also grasping the defensive playbook. If Williams can do that, then he can find the field more often as the year goes on. Regardless, look for him to make a slight impact and compete as a reserve player. He will likely take snaps as a tackle and be a stalwart in the middle of UGA’s defensive line.
High School Scouting Report:
Outstanding frame with good height and elite length. Athletic build. Wears mass well and owns ample space for more bulk. Terrorizes offenses from various front-line spots. Stands on the edge, drops a hand in the dirt, and also moves inside, at times in a four-point stance. Will fit myriad personnel looks with ability to play a variety of roles thanks to physical tools. Shows consistently good snap anticipation and couples with explosive first step. Initiates contact with heavy-handed violence and terrific functional athleticism. Displays chase-down pursuit athleticism with elite closing speed relative to size. Plays with better-than-expected leverage given height and long levers. Most dominant player at 2022 All-American Bowl week. Regularly beat elite offensive linemen in practice 1-on-1 reps and recorded three TFL in the game. Gets blockers on their heels and finishes them with hand violence and power. Flashes consistent stack-and-shed disengaging strength vs. larger offensive linemen. Shows encouraging dip-and-bend ability off the edge. Strong production with double-digit sacks three consecutive seasons (40-plus in all). Move set still a work in progress but promising. Gets caught with his eyes in the backfield on occasion but recovers with athleticism, power, and reach. Possesses immense strength capacity given physical specs. Pass rusher by nature but physique and frame space to become a full-time 3- or 5-tech type if desired. Still, athleticism and length could dictate a permanent jumbo edge player. Regardless of alignment, projects to the high-major level as a likely immediate contributor who becomes an impact player with long-term high-round NFL Draft potential. - Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
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