Mykel Williams excited about opportunity in new role
ATHENS, Ga. — Mykel Williams is a former five-star entering his third season at Georgia with plenty of production and yet still so much potential. The Columbus, Ga. native led a National Championship winning team in sacks as a true freshman in 2022 and finished second in tackles for loss as a sophomore this past season. However, the Bulldogs are looking to do something a little bit different with Williams in 2024, trying to unlock elements of his game that maybe haven’t been seen as often as folks would like.
Williams, who has played with his hand in the dirt as a more traditional defensive end more often than not in his first two seasons at Georgia, is set to make a move to outside linebacker.
It’s a role in the UGA defense that can look a little bit different with each individual that plays the position. With Williams, listed at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, he’ll still likely do work on the line of scrimmage – as demonstrated by him saying he still considers defensive line coach Tray Scott his primary position coach. However, having him stand up at times also should allow him to better utilize the special skills he has as a pass rusher and presence on the edge.
“That is something that we have talked about. It’s something we are working towards,” Williams said to open spring practice. “I kind of envision it looking something similar to the Florida State game where I was playing a little more outside linebacker there. It’s something that’s in the making.”
“In our system, it’s more like I’m just going to be standing up more. There’s not many differences. I may drop a little bit more, but really it’s just I’m standing up more,” he added. “I like outside linebacker because it shows my versatility. Sometimes I even rush the guard at 3-tech. For me being able to move from a 3 all the way out to a 9-tech, that just shows my versatility and how I can put it on display at the next level.”
Williams’ teammates saw what he did against Florida State in Georgia’s 63-3 Orange Bowl victory over the Seminoles. Getting an opportunity to change up his role some, Williams posted a season-high four tackles with 1.5 for loss including a sack. He both forced and recovered a fumble on the play, part of an impressive performance that gives him confidence he can be affective at outside linebacker.
“It was great because I mentioned it to Coach Smart and Coach Schumann, and they agreed with me. That was something they planned to do already,” Williams said. “For them to have the confidence in me, and then to go out there and we had the result that we did, it was a great confidence boost and a great feeling.”
Williams isn’t the only one confident he can be impactful. Smael Mondon, who watched the Orange Bowl from the sideline and will be out this spring too due to a foot injury, believes that there’s no limits to what Williams is capable of.
“Really, I feel like wherever Kel is at, Kel’s going to do his thing. I’m excited to see what he does at that new JACK spot,” Mondon said. “I feel like it says a lot about him because he was kind of at an end spot and then now he’s going to stand up, so for him to be able to do both I feel like that’s really big.”
Williams will have an opportunity to get used to outside linebacker this spring over the course of 15 practice sessions including three scrimmages. The first of those 15 took place on Tuesday, and the Bulldogs will work twice more this week. Asked what he’s focused on getting better at, Williams said improving his hands, his hand speed, his pad level and his get-off are all an emphasis as he hopes to have an even stronger season at his new spot in 2024.
