Penn State Sports Magazine
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A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 9 9 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State picked up its top-ranked defensive lineman on July 8 when Philadelphia native Mylachi Wil- liams announced his commitment. A four-star defensive end prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, Williams emerged as one of the Nittany Lions' top targets during a junior season at Mon- signor Bonner & Archbishop Prender- gast Catholic High in which he totaled 68 tackles, including 28 for loss and 12 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Williams received an offer from Penn State dur- ing an unofficial visit in January, quickly establishing himself as one of the most important defensive linemen on the Li- ons' recruiting board. "An offer from Penn State means every- thing," Williams said following his visit. "I always watched them growing up. Penn State being close to home is great. I didn't have any idea that they were offering me." The Lions' pursuit drew the attention of schools across the country. By the time on-campus visits resumed in March, he had earned offers from nearly 20 addi- tional schools. Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Texas A&M and USC were among the most notable programs that were in pursuit. Pitt, Rutgers and West Virginia all hosted Williams for unofficial visits in the winter and spring, but a planned trip to Notre Dame in April led many to believe the Fighting Irish were Penn State's top competitors. Williams set official visits to Notre Dame and Penn State but didn't end up taking his trip to South Bend. Instead, Pitt and Syracuse joined the Nittany Lions on his official visit itinerary in June. Throughout his decision process, the Lions appeared to be the team to beat, thanks largely to the work of James Frank- lin and assistant coaches Terry Smith and Deion Barnes. "I know that Notre Dame was high on his list," Bonner & Prendergast head coach Jack Muldoon said. "Syracuse did a great job recruiting him. So did Pitt, Rutgers, Texas A&M. "Of course, Penn State was the first one, and they've done a great job, as has everyone else. But Coach Smith, Coach Barnes, Coach Franklin, they all came down to see him. "They've all done just a great job throughout this process staying consis- tent with Mylachi and his family. It was obvious early on that Penn State would be one of his top places. He's also very close with his mom and grandma, so anywhere that they could get in the car to go see him would be high on the list. They've been in- credibly supportive of everything he does." On3 boosted Williams' rating in July to No. 79 nationally. He's now the ninth- ranked edge rusher in the country and the No. 1-ranked player in Pennsylvania. "One thing about Mylachi is that he's really blessed with a lot of really good things, like his family and friends," Mul- doon said. "He has great people around him. Athletically, his reach, his length, it's what you would expect from someone who's 6-foot-8. "He's also only 16, so he has more growing to do and will graduate as a 17-year-old. I think his potential is limit- less. I have no doubt he'll play well at the next level." ■ COMMITMENT PROFILE MYLACHI WILLIAMS Surprise Offer Brings Philadelphia Defensive End To PSU RYA N S N Y D E R | R YA N. S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M Looking to stay close to home, Williams took official visits to Penn State, Syracuse and Pitt in June before choosing the Nittany Lions. PHOTO COURTESY THE WILLIAMS FAMILY New defensive line coach Deion Barnes earned his first verbal commitment from an edge rusher when four-star Philadelphia defensive end Mylachi Williams joined the Nittany Lions' class in July. Here's why they were so eager to land his commitment: STRENGTHS Frame: At 6-foot-3, Williams isn't the ideal edge rusher from a height perspective, but his overall length is excellent. He's another PSU commit with a reach far exceeding his height numbers, north of 33 inches. Burst: Williams has an excellent first step, a skill that earmarks him as a potential high-level pass rusher. Moreover, that explosiveness off the ball should improve with the expected lean mass that he will add in the next several years. Positional awareness: Williams does an excellent job of reading what sort of running play is coming at him and reacts accordingly. He's good at using his length to stave off blockers and keeping himself clean to defend the edge of the formation. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT Passive block destruction: Williams will give up ground and try to slow-play blocks instead of ag- gressively attacking. He must overcome these habits as he grows in strength and size. Size/strength: He'll need to gain roughly 50 pounds over the next three years. While he's got the frame to do it, that transformation takes dedication. Pad level: Williams is a tall, long athlete who bends more at the waist than at the knees in his stance. That limits his forward explosion and brings his center of gravity over his toes instead of in his midline. PROJECTION Defensive end: There are obvious hills to climb, but Williams is the kind of prospect you want to take a chance on. He's long, dynamic, and shows hints of elite skill at the position. In time, he could be a high-level edge defender for the Nittany Lions. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N