Any questions surrounding Tyleik Williams last season had little to do with his talent. That was plainly evident in the short windows that the true freshman had to display his ability on the field.
Rather, why Williams wasn’t playing more was the prevailing line of inquiry in 2021, given his high level of productivity during brief stints of playing time. Ten Ohio State defensive linemen logged more snaps than Williams last season, but only one – first-team All-Big Ten tackle Haskell Garrett – finished with more sacks than the five the freshman racked up.
In his first-ever interview session with members of the media since arriving at Ohio State, Williams finally provided an answer to that question Thursday, putting the blame on himself instead of the decision-making of Larry Johnson and the Buckeye coaching staff.