LOOK: Lane Kiffin, Sam Williams share moment after NFL Combine

Former Ole Miss defensive end Sam Williams out 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. After seeing his former player have a big day, Ole Miss head coach 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.

Lane Kiffin impressed by Sam Williams performance

Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin was mind blown by the 40-yard dash time of Sam Williams at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday. The Rebels defensive end posted an impressive official time of 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, prompting his college coach to react with a single blown-mind emoji on Twitter.

Williams came to Ole Miss in 2019 after spending a couple of years at Northeast Mississippi Community College. 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). The Rebels ended the season with a record of 10-3, falling to Baylor in the Sugar Bowl.

Williams is currently listed as the No. 11 edge defender in the draft according to CBS Sports’ big board. However, with his combine performance Saturday, he could soon be moving up the list.

The 40-yard dash was far from the only drill that Sam Williams participated in Saturday, however. The Ole Miss product also posted a 32.5 vertical jump and a 123 on the broad jump.

The 2022 NFL Draft is set to begin April 28 in Las Vegas and will conclude April 30. With his performance this past season, Williams projects anywhere between the late first round to early second round. But his recent numbers at the NFL Combine gives him a chance to solidify his spot as a first-round selection.