Interview: 4-Star 2022 Georgia DE Mykel Williams is a Dominating Force for Hardaway
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the 2019 season, Hardaway High School was one of the more feared defensive teams in the Georgia 4A ranks thanks to Class of 2022 defensive end Mykel Williams (6-5, 255). As a team, the Hawks only allowed 18 points per game on average with their four-star standout dictating the action in the trenches. Williams earned seemingly every postseason honor possible after putting an end to 57 plays with 18 tackles for a loss, 19 quarterback hurries, 29 tackles for a loss with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. After his dominating performance, college programs have responded in a hurry with 27 offers extended.
As the junior season for Williams draws closer, the workouts intensify. To cover his goals for the 2020 campaign along with an update on his recruiting, Williams stopped by the RNG Lab for a one-on-one conversation.
Interview
Mykel, you get after it in the trenches with an attitude. What motivates you to play at such a high level on game day?
“That is my mentality. My love for the game, my mentality, and my drive. I want to make it to the league; I want to make it to the NFL.”
How were offenses trying to attack you or limit you last season other than hold you?
(Laughs) “There was a lot of that (holding). They tried to block me with a tight end and a tackle – they’d double-team me and chip me. I had multiple people trying to block me.”
Your motor seems to never stop, other than that, what are some of the moves or tactics you employ to create chaos for the opposition on the snap of the ball?
“At first, I am a speed and power guy. I can run a little bit and I have a decent get off, and I am still working on that. After my get off, I am taking my first two steps up field, fake inside, and go outside to get past the tackle.”
When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a defender?
“How strong I was, that is big for me. I am stronger than the other guys. Plus, my knowledge of the game. I have long arms which helps when I push-pull, and I wrestle too, that came into play.”
Where all will we see you on the field in 2020? Are you getting any time in on offense?
“This season I am playing defensive end, I may be standing up on third downs. On offense, I may play some tight end and some tackle; I don’t know yet.”
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on to prepare for your junior run?
“This offseason I have been working on staying low in the run game, working on my hands, hips, and feet. I’ve been working on going against my offensive linemen to improve my pass rush. I work on my get off every day, my hands, my hand-eye coordination, and I am doing ladders every day.”
Let’s go deeper into that, what has been your daily routine?
“I have been working out two times a day. My first workout is speed stuff and conditioning. I run, do the ladders, and then work on my get off for my pass rush and run stop keeping low out of my stance.”
What were your most recent maxes in the weight room?
“My last max was 335 on bench, 425 on squat, and 275 on clean.”
Switching to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“All of the schools that have shown interest have offered already really… Colorado, they are showing some interest, and Texas A&M.”
How many offers are you holding now?
“I have 27 offers.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
“Clemson offered last week, Ohio State, Miami, and East Carolina.”
Williams’ Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, East Carolina, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Nebraska, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Tennessee, Troy, USC, and Virginia Tech
Before the dead period began this winter, did you take any unofficial visits?
“In 2020 I took three visits to South Carolina for a Junior Day, Kentucky, and Tennessee.”
How did the South Carolina visit go?
“It was great. I liked their facilities.”
And the Kentucky visit?
“It was great too.”
What about the Tennessee visit?
“It was great. I like their coaches.”
If it is this summer of this fall, are there any future visits you may take?
“Oh yeah. I plan on visiting Florida, LSU, Clemson, I want to get to Georgia, South Carolina, and back to Tennessee. There maybe a few other visits, I’d like to get to Arkansas.”
Last question for you. What personal goals have you already set for the 2020 season?
“I want 20 sacks, 30 tackles for a loss, and 80 total tackles. I am working on strip-sacking; I want five forced fumbles – I want a pick-six or to take a fumble back for a touchdown, I want to score a touchdown this season.”
Mykel, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you continued success with your workouts this summer until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; Mykel Williams at Tennessee and Kentucky