Time-Out: Columbus Athletes Shine Bright on Every Stage

As the spring season reaches its peak, the city of Columbus once again proves why it’s a powerhouse for athletic talent. From football dreams realized to track records shattered and baseball diamonds dominated, the athletes of Columbus are making headlines and leaving their mark on every field, court and track they touch. This week, we take a closer look at some of the standout stories making waves across the region.

In a city steeped in athletic tradition, few stories shine brighter right now than that of Mykel Williams. The Columbus native has gone from Lakebottom Park's youth football fields to the bright lights of the NFL, taking his place among the game's most anticipated rising stars. From the moment he strapped on a helmet with the Clubview Bulldogs, it was clear Williams was built differently. His blend of size, skill and determination was impossible to ignore, and by the time he reached Hardaway High School, he was a local legend in the making.

Born in Warm Springs on June 29, 2004, Williams made his mark on Columbus sports early and often. At Hardaway, he wreaked havoc on opposing offenses and quickly rose to national prominence. His senior campaign earned him the prestigious Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year award. With five-star recruit status and a highlight reel that left fans and scouts alike buzzing, Williams was ranked among the top defensive line prospects in the nation.

Athletic greatness runs in the family. While Mykel dominated on the gridiron, his sister Mikayla Johnson was making waves on the hardwood. A senior at Hardaway, Mikayla led the Lady Hawks to their first-ever GHSA Class 2A State Championship in basketball, solidifying her own place in school history. Together, the siblings have elevated the Hardaway name and given Columbus plenty to cheer for.

Mykel’s next chapter took him to Athens, where he committed to the University of Georgia. His impact was immediate helping the Bulldogs win a national championship as a freshman in 2022. Over the next two seasons, he tallied 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. He was named a Freshman All-American and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024. His power, versatility and football IQ made him a nightmare for SEC offenses and a fan favorite in Athens.

Then came the NFL Draft. On April 24, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers selected Williams with the 11th overall pick. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, his transition to the professional ranks already is turning heads. Williams is expected to be an immediate difference-maker on the 49ers' defensive line, bringing the same fire and finesse that made him a star in Georgia.

Columbus can proudly say one of its own is now among football’s elite.

While football took center stage, the track and field scene lit up the region as Pacelli boys secured a second-place overall finish in the GIAA Region 5AAA Meet. Jaiden Roberson emerged as the meet’s standout, capturing the 800-meter title, anchoring the 4x400 relay to victory, and earning Male Athlete of the Meet honors. Michael Rowe took the high jump crown and joined Roberson in relay success. Tyson Copeland, Kaleb Jackson and Donovan Colvin all stood out as key contributors in multiple events, with numerous athletes qualifying for the state meet.

Over at Shaw, the Raiders made it a sweep by clinching both the boys' and girls' Region 1-2A championships. Freshman Michayla Bledsoe dashed her way to victory in the 100 meters with a blazing 11.73, while freshman Ahmaud Nickerson claimed the 200-meter crown in 23.37. Columbus High senior Megan Taylor turned in one of the meet’s most dominant performances, scoring 38 individual points and securing top state rankings in multiple events, including the 300 hurdles and long jump. Senior Gabrielle Harris clocked a 58.16 in the 400 meters to take first and add to the Blue Devils’ medal haul.

Meanwhile, the baseball diamond delivered its own drama. Glenwood continued their dominant stretch, blanking Hale County 2-0 and later dismantling them 16-0 to extend their win streak to four. The Gators, now 25-4, have built a reputation behind consistent pitching and timely hitting.

Columbus High was equally explosive, steamrolling Sumter County 17-2 in a one-sided affair. Martin Heim controlled the mound with six strikeouts in three innings, while Caden Bryans and Walker Bridges fueled the offensive onslaught. Bryans went 3-for-3 with a homer and three stolen bases, pushing Columbus to a 16-14 record.

Over at St. Anne-Pacelli, the Vikings fell just short in a 4-3 heartbreaker against Calvary Christian. Despite the loss, Austin Danison dazzled with nine strikeouts and no earned runs, while Jaycob Veloz went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run and two runs scored.

From rising football phenoms to track standouts and hard-hitting baseball squads, the talent in Columbus isn’t just thriving—it’s taking over. With young stars like Mykel Williams leading the way, the future is as bright as ever. As the season continues to unfold, one thing is clear: in Columbus, greatness isn’t coming. It's already here.