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Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams to return for senior season in 2024

bill rabinowitz, columbus dispatch
·1 min read

Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams has decided to return for his senior season in 2024.

Williams' decision comes after defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. declared for the 2024 NFL draft Dec. 30

Williams finally fulfilled his immense promise this season after showing only glimpses previously.

Williams had 53 tackles in 2023, an impressive total for an interior lineman, including 10 for loss. He also recorded three sacks and knocked down five passes.

Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is pursued by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) during the first half of Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Michigan Stadium.
Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is pursued by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) during the first half of Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Michigan Stadium.

Williams, a junior from Manassas, Virginia, was voted third-team All-Big Ten by the league's coaches and second-team in media voting.

It was a breakthrough year after a slow start to his OSU career. Because of COVID-19, he didn't even visit Ohio State before committing. His first choice had been Alabama, but the Crimson Tide got a commitment from another defensive tackle before Williams pulled the trigger on his commitment there.

Williams admittedly didn't stay in shape during the COVID lockdown and arrived at Ohio State weighing about 360 pounds. Still, his rare athleticism showed up in spurts early in his career, consistency was an issue. This year, he was in better shape, and the results showed.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams to return for senior season