Chad Simmons discusses the recruitment of 5-star Mykel Williams

On3 imageby:Peter Warren•10/07/21•

thepeterwarren

Columbus (Ga.) Hardaway five-star defensive lineman Mykel Williams has been one of the hottest names on the recruiting circuit since Clay Helton was fired from USC in September.

Williams has been committed to the Trojans since June. And while he has kept his pledge over the last month, other schools have gone hard after the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2022 On300.

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons said Georgia is working really hard to get Mykel Williams to flip to the Bulldogs.

“Georgia was probably the leader and the school trending during Mykel’s junior year,” Simmons said. “They finished No. 2 to USC. Georgia had him on campus this past weekend for the Arkansas game and he’ll return in a week and a half for an official visit when Georgia host Kentucky.”

And while the Bulldogs are the favorites to flip Mykel Williams, there are other schools also going after him.

“He may trip to the University of Florida this weekend for an official visit,” Simmons said. “He was at the Swamp earlier this season for a game. Alabama is very much in the mix. They’ll likely get an official visit as well. And it’s going to be probably either the SEC or USC for Mykel. What he does have at USC (and) doesn’t have at any of those schools in the SEC is half-brother Michael Trigg, a tight end out of Florida. He’s playing as a true freshman right now for the Trojans.”

Simmons believes that the main factor in Mykel Williams’ future decision will be who is leading the Trojans next season.

“Really, it just comes down to the coaching staff,” Simmons said. “Who’s the next head coach? Do they retain Donte Williams? Do they retain the defensive line coach Vic So’oto? I think those are key things Mykel is waiting for. He remains committed to USC right now. A lot of buzz around here about the in-state Georgia Bulldogs. But again, Mykel is saying all the right things about USC. His plan is to wait and see. But a visit to Georgia this past weekend. He’ll return in two weeks and then keep an eye on Alabama and Florida as well.”