Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams wreaked havoc Saturday during the annual G-Day scrimmage.
Last season, Williams mostly lined up with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end; however, he’s been playing more at outside linebacker this spring and benefitted from this position change during the game.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pound rising junior finished with six tackles, two pass break-ups, and an interception on G-Day.
“I feel like I played alright,” Williams told the media Saturday after the annual spring scrimmage at Sanford Stadium in Athens. “There were definitely some plays I wish I had back, but I feel like I did alright. I’m getting comfortable (playing multiple spots). It’s becoming common for me to switch around in different personnel.”
Williams played in 13 of 15 games last season. The former five-star defensive lineman accounted for 18 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a team-high 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.
Williams’ best performance came in Georgia’s 63-3 win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. He finished with four total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack with a forced fumble and recovery against the Seminoles.
Still, according to Williams, he didn’t meet the expectations he set for himself before the start of last season.
“Last season didn’t go how I expected it to go at all, but this year I feel like it’s going to be much better,” he said. “This year, I have all the opportunities in front of me to work every day, and to prove it.”
On Saturday, Williams was all over the field, covering sideline to sideline. He got in starting quarterback Carson Beck’s face a few times and forced an interception. Williams tipped the ball and then came down with it.
Williams was happy to come down with the interception – even if Saturday was just a scrimmage.After the game, he acknowledged how great it was to celebrate with his teammates after getting the pick.
“Man, it was awesome,” Williams said. “I’ve tipped the ball before, but it took me about two or three seconds to find it when I looked up. I’m blessed to be able to catch it, and it was great to celebrate with the guys.”
The Columbus native will spend the next few months making certain to stay in shape. He hopes to get stronger and head into Georgia’s fall camp in August ready to battle for a starting position.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has taken notice of Williams’ hard work during the spring practice session.
“He’s been, what’s the right word? Present. He’s been able to practice,” Smart said. “He had spring practice last year and he missed some practices. He had fall camp last year; he missed some practices.
“I explained to him that if you want to have a really good year, you want to have a really good camp. He’s kind of bought into that. Practicing good makes you better. It’s not his fault; he’s been injured. But you can’t play well if you don’t practice.”
Smart also mentioned he’s happy to see Williams developing his game off the field, too. “I thought that he had a really good spring from a standpoint of leadership, toughness.”
Williams looks to take that next step forward this coming season at Georgia. He’s got high expectations for himself and believes he can become the next great Bulldog defensive lineman to be drafted.