Lane Kiffin makes case for Sam Williams ahead of 2022 NFL Draft

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is ready to watch multiple former Rebels’ stars come off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft, including defensive end Sam Williams. After a heartwarming interaction between head coach and star player during the combine, Kiffin is again offering big praise for one of his former players.

When asked which player outside of Matt Corral deserves the most NFL hype heading into the draft, Lane Kiffin told the Rich Eisen Show that breakout star Sam Williams brings big potential to the table.

“I think Sam Williams, the defensive end that ran so well at the combine,” said Kiffin. “This kid had one of the most productive seasons of anybody in the country. Really unique skills and you can see the size-speed ratio is off the charts. Hardly anybody ever that size ran at that time. I think, put in the right program, he’ll so special things.”

Williams put on a show at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.46-second official 40-yard dash before showing off on the workout portion of Saturday’s showcase.

The former junior college standout came to Ole Miss in 2019. He was granted an extra year of eligibility this past season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing him to play three total seasons in Oxford. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end had a breakout campaign in 2021, leading the team in both tackles for loss (15) and sacks (12.5).

Lane Kiffin on Sam Williams

The 40-yard dash was far from the only drill that Sam Williams participated in on Saturday, however. The Ole Miss product also posted a 32.5 vertical jump and a 123 on the broad jump. After seeing his former player have a big day at the NFL Combine, Lane Kiffin could not help taking his thoughts to social media.

In an exchange which spanned the last two days, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin and Sam Williams showed their appreciation for each other in the public eye.

“I just got the chills,” Kiffin posted after seeing video of Williams’ performance. “I (love) Sam’s story so much. Just glad to be part of it.”

His message of support was appreciated by Williams, who responded with a heartwarming message of his own.

“I would’ve gotten a hug,” Williams responded with the eyes emoji. Kiffin responded one last time with the hug emoji. The heartwarming interaction between former coach and player shows the connection built and sustained through college football.