Kirby Smart addresses absence of Mykel Williams vs. UAB

Mykel Williams was nowhere to be found in Georgia’s comfortable 49-21 win over UAB on Saturday. After the game, UGA head coach Kirby Smart updated fans on the defensive lineman’s absence.

“He’s sick and I hope to get him back next week,” Smart said. “I hate it because he’s a really good player but he wasn’t able to play. We expect him to be back next week.”

While the Bulldogs managed without Williams, his absence was evident. Georgia gave up 336 yards in the win, only creating one UAB turnover. For reference, the most yards any other opponent recorded against Georgia was South Carolina‘s 309 yards in Week 3.

Williams has been a staple on Georgia’s line this season, boasting three tackles and two sacks. The 6-foot-5 sophomore’s success is no surprise. Williams was named to the Preseason Media Days All-SEC First Team and was place on watchlists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award.

Despite the high expectations placed on Williams ahead of the 2023 campaign, the EDGE only started in two games last season for Georgia. He made the most of his time, recording 28 tackles, including three QB sacks, along with a team-high 31 QB hurries.

Mykel Williams grows in the offseason

Smart had nothing but good things to say about the Georgia native earlier this month.

“Maturity. He carries himself well,” Smart said. “He’s a leader, he’s very mature. Practices hard, plays hard, he’s what you want a football player to be. He’s tough, physical, does what you ask and he really handles coaching well. For a guy as talented as he is, he doesn’t think he has all the answers. I’m very pleased with where he is and we have to find a way to keep him healthy.”

Thankfully, Williams’ health seemingly will be back before next weekend. The Bulldogs will need him as they head into Auburn for their Week 5 matchup. Smart isn’t the only one who’s watched Williams grow this offseason.

“I really feel like I’ve grown the most in, like, my anticipation of plays. The way Coach [Tray] Scott teaches us and develops us, you kind of know what’s going on before the ball is snapped,” Williams said before the season began.

“Now with me being out [in the spring] and I’ve just been sitting and watching and viewing different people, I can hear a call the o-line makes and I know which way they’re moving. It’s like my anticipation of the game has gotten better.”