Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, and Other SEC Defensive Breakouts

1. DL Mykel Williams, Georgia

The Dawgs rotate their defensive line as much as anyone because of their unique depth, but expect the sophomore to play the most snaps of anyone in that unit this fall. The 6’5″, 270 lb. Williams has the strength to hold up against the run and the explosiveness as a pass rusher that makes him as versatile of a piece as they have.

Sep 17, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) passes as he is hit by Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium.

2. DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

Another sophomore defensive lineman, Stewart elected not to join the mass exodus out of College Station. He brings more as a pass rusher than his classmate Walter Nolen, and opposite of Shemar Turner, he could get a lot of one-on-one opportunities.

Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (4) shows off his gold grill smile after the Aggies defeat the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field.

3. DB O’Donnell Fortune, South Carolina

Fortune acquitted himself well as a situational DB in 2022, and with Cam Smith and Darius Rush off to the pros, he steps in as CB1. At 6’1″ with long arms, he fits the profile of the outstanding corners we’ve seen come out of Columbia in the past few seasons.