When Tyleik Williams committed to Ohio State in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buckeyes coaching staff had every reason to be excited. At 270 pounds, he was a four-star defensive line prospect out of Stonewall Jackson High School in Virginia, brimming with potential. But the pandemic forced much of the recruitment process online — a twist that would lead to an unforgettable surprise once Williams finally stepped foot on campus.
Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, like most of the staff, had only seen Williams through Zoom calls during recruitment. “We saw his face and chest — that was it,” Johnson recalled during a recent conference call, following the Detroit Lions’ decision to select Williams 28th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. “When he walked in, we were all like, ‘Oh my God. What happened here?’”
The shock? Williams had ballooned to nearly 360 pounds by the time he arrived in Columbus — a staggering 90-pound increase. But the surprise wasn’t just in the weight gain; it was in what Williams could still do despite it.
Many young players might struggle under such a physical transformation. Not Williams. The moment he began athletic testing, it became clear he was a rare breed. At nearly 360 pounds, he ran an astonishing 4.9-second 40-yard dash, including a 10-yard split of around 1.6 seconds — numbers that even lighter linemen struggle to reach.
That was the moment Johnson knew things were going to be just fine. “He moved like someone who was 100 pounds lighter,” Johnson said. “It was freakish. That combination of size and speed — you can’t coach that.”
Williams went on to carve out a strong career at Ohio State, gradually refining his body and technique while maintaining his explosive athleticism. He became a disruptive force on the defensive front, known for collapsing pockets and stopping the run with power and precision. NFL scouts took notice, especially the Detroit Lions, who saw Williams as a perfect fit for their evolving defensive identity.
In Detroit, Williams now has the opportunity to showcase his unique skill set at the professional level. His blend of size, speed, and agility gives the Lions a dynamic presence on the defensive line — someone who can not only plug gaps but also chase down quarterbacks and running backs alike.
While some players arrive in the NFL needing to prove they belong, Williams enters with a chip on his shoulder and the athletic resume to back it up. From surprising his college coaches with his transformation to stunning scouts with his physical gifts, Tyleik Williams is no stranger to exceeding expectations.
Now, as he joins the Lions, the next chapter begins. If history is any indication, Williams won’t just fit in — he’ll stand out.
