ATHENS, Ga. — How does Georgia respond to losing a 5-star recruit to another SEC school? By flipping a 5-star commitment to another program, of course.
That’s what happened Wednesday as Mykel Williams, a 5-star defensive end and AJC Super 11 selection from Columbus, Ga., announced that he was changing his commitment from Southern Cal, to which he’d been pledged since June, to the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs, who never ceased pursuing him. Williams shared the news late Wednesday morning on his Instagram account.
Williams’ decision was made public about 15 hours after the highly publicized announcement ceremony of another 5-star target for the Bulldogs. Luther Burden, the No. 1-rated wide receiver in the country, shocked many in the recruiting business when he chose home-state Missouri over Georgia and Alabama on Tuesday night in St. Louis.
Williams’ pledge certainly provides some salve for that wound. A 6-foot-5, 265-pound senior, Williams had remained committed to the Trojans despite USC’s decision to part ways with coach Clay Helton in September.
But Williams has visited Georgia times several times this fall, including Saturday’s nationally televised win over No. 11 Kentucky. His Instagram page was filled with comments of affirmation from current UGA football players.
Williams becomes the second 5-star prospect and the 20th recruit overall to join Georgia’s 2022 class, which moves up to No. 2 in the 247Sports Composite ranking.
