One of Georgia’s top targets in the 2022 recruiting cycle officially joined the program on Wednesday, as 5-star defensive end Mykel Williams signed with the Bulldogs. He was the first prospect to sign with Georgia on Wednesday.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Williams is one of the top prospects in both the state of Georgia and country. The Columbus, Ga., native played his high school football for Hardaway High School.
Georgia ultimately won out for Williams, but it was not a sure thing that he was always going to be a Bulldog.
Related: 5-star defensive end Mykel Williams commits to Georgia
Mykel Williams was at one point a USC commit
Despite being a priority for Georgia for much of the 2022 recruiting cycle, Williams initially pledged to play for Clay Helton and the USC Trojans. Williams surprised many when he committed to USC back in June, just after visits began again for recruits.
Georgia still continued to pursue Williams even with his commitment to USC. Early season turmoil for the Trojans led to the firing of Helton in September. Williams, while still being committed to USC, took multiple visits to Athens to see Georgia play, setting the stage for his eventual flip back to Georgia.
“Well, there’s a lot there,” Williams said after Georgia’s game against Arkansas. “There is a lot I liked but really what I liked best was the crowd and how active they were for an early game.”
Mykel Williams flipped his commitment to Georgia
Williams was one of three players to announce his commitment to Georgia during its off week in the regular season. Two days before Williams flipped to Georgia, the Bulldogs landed a commitment from 3-star offensive lineman Aliou Bah. The day after Williams announced his commitment to Georgia, the Bulldogs landed another big-time commitment from 4-star defensive lineman Bear Alexander.
As for why Williams made the decision to flip and stick with Georgia, his long-term relationships with Dell McGee and Tray Scott stood out.
“They really just told me that’s where I need to be,” Williams said. “They told me I could come in and play a little bit of outside linebacker and defensive end. Just play the Edge. Just do what I have got to do.”
Mykel Williams figures to be a key figure in Georgia’s defensive line haul
While Williams could go on to play outside linebacker given his size and frame, he might best be used as a Travon Walker-type player for the Bulldogs. The junior has been a key part of Georgia’s defense this season and figures to be a high selection in the NFL draft.
Williams is the highest-rated signee in the front seven for this Georgia class, but he’s not the only top talent. Georgia also holds commitments from Alexander, 4-star linebackers Jalon Walker and CJ Washington. All three rank among the top 150 prospects in the 2022 recruiting cycle.
Georgia also might not be done when it comes to recruiting the defensive line. Christen Williams, the No. 107 player in the class is set to announce his decision on Jan. 8. Ohio State and Alabama are also in the running for Miller.
Mykel Williams highlight film
Mykel Williams recruiting profile
On3 consensus: No. 20 overall player, No. 5 defensive lineman, No. 3 player in Georgia, 247Sports ranking: No. 31 overall player, No. 6 defensive lineman, No. 3 player in Georgia, Rivals: No. 28 overall player, No. 3 defensive lineman, No. 2 player in Georgia, ESPN: No. 50 overall player, No. 5 defensive lineman, No. 2 player in Georgia
Will Mykel Williams enroll early?
Yes, Mykel Williams is expected to enroll early.
DawgNation’s Jeff Sentell talks Mykel Williams commitment
More Mykel Williams stories from around DawgNation
- Mykel Williams: Despite all the new stuff, the 5-star says the people at UGA still stand out
- Social media celebrates 5-star Mykel Williams flipping his commitment to Georgia
- Mykel Williams: What the 5-star DL thought of his front-row VIP treatment on visit
- BREAKING: 5-star priority DL target Mykel Williams commits to Southern Cal
- 5-star DL Mykel Williams is still solid with USC but he will take more official visits this fall