Some of the biggest stars in the NFL have come from the junior college ranks, and every year, prospects with unique journeys to the pro level make a big splash on Saturdays.
Ole Miss pass rusher Sam Williams has the skill set to add his name to that list this season.
A fast-improving edge defender prospect, Williams recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about making the transition to the SEC from the JUCO ranks, why LSU had the worst offensive line, and what fans can expect from him this season.
JM: You came to Ole Miss prior to last season by way of JUCO. Guys who hit the D-I ranks from JUCO often face a steep transition. If that happened for you behind the scenes, it didn’t seem that way on the field. How did you acclimate so quickly?
SW: I really leaned on the system and the support around me. We have an excellent offensive line, that I had a chance to practice against every day. They prepared me for in-game action. I was prepared for anything and anybody. It wasn’t that hard, to be honest with you. I just made sure that I was playing hard out there.
JM: This is a big year for you, it’s your senior season. There’s going to be some expectations for you now. What are you doing to make sure that you meet those expectations?
SW: I’m trying to outwork anybody and everybody. I’m putting in extra work on the field. I’m spending more time in the weight room. I’m doing extra everything (laughs). I’m studying more film than ever before. I’m trying to be the ultimate student of the game.
JM: You get to work with coach D.J. Durkin this year. He’s coached for teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Michigan and Florida, just to name a few. He’s worked with some talented players. What are you hoping to learn from him?
SW: I feel like I can learn a lot from him. I’m willing to learn. This has always been my plan. This is like my fourth year playing football. I’m still new to the game. I’m always open to new ideas and techniques. I want to play in new schemes. I’m ready to play ball and follow his leadership.
JM: How can this Ole Miss defense be better in 2020 than it was in 2019?
SW: I feel like it’s going to be better because of the leadership that we have in our locker room. We have some great seniors. We have a big and talented senior class this year. Every senior here has a big role to play on the field this season. I believe in our leadership. That’s why the defense is going to be a lot better this season. Every single senior here is going to put their best foot forward. Effort isn’t going to be a problem. We want to ensure that this defense will be better.
JM: I don’t know how many times you’ve met coach Lane Kiffin in person yet, but expectations are obviously high for him. What’s your initial impression of Coach Kiffin?
SW: I’ve actually spoken with Coach Kiffin plenty of times already. He’s a very laid-back guy. He’s a cool person. He doesn’t play around, though (laughs). He saw us taking it easy this one time and he really laid into us. We had to start the drill over from the beginning. He didn’t let us off the hook. That’s what we need though. He doesn’t say much, but when he talks, you listen. He doesn’t waste his words. He means what he says and he stands behind it. That’s exactly what this program needed.
JM: You recorded six sacks last season. What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?
SW: It’s still raw. I’m very open to new ideas and techniques. I’m working closely with the coaching staff. I want to be coached. We’ve been hopping on Zoom calls and FaceTime. They’re making me look up YouTube videos. I’m looking at different techniques that I can work on. I have the power, strength and speed. Now it’s about putting it all together. I have to get my hands better. I’m looking at a new video every day, videos that can help me improve my hand usage.
JM: What do you consider your go-to move at this point, and what moves are you trying to develop?
SW: My go-to move is definitely speed-to-power. I’m so fast that I’m often able to run right past the offensive tackle. If they open up to where I can’t go past them, I can use a power move to knock him off his pass set. I’ve been trying to develop something where I can grab onto their elbows and pull myself through them. There’s a lot that goes into it. I’ve been working on that move. It’s going to make my game 10x better because nobody is going to expect that from me. They only expect a swim move, speed-to-power, you know, the basic moves. I’m going to surprise everybody with some new moves this season.
JM: Who do you think were some of the best offensive linemen you went up against last season?
SW: No. 74 on Alabama [Jedrick Wills] was a good one. He just got drafted. I felt like he was the best one. I’ll tell you what though, LSU had the worst offensive line.
JM: LSU had the worst offensive line?
SW: Yeah, LSU had the worst offensive line. That’s how I feel. They were big, but they couldn’t move at all. Joe Burrow did his thing, don’t get me wrong. He had to get the ball out quickly. He didn’t have any other choice. If I had maybe 0.5 more seconds, I would have left that game with four or five sacks. They’re not that good, but they got the ball out quickly because we didn’t do a very good job of covering their receivers.
JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one teammate with you, who would it be and why?
SW: I would bring [quarterback] John Rhys Plumlee with me. I know for a fact that he would give me everything he has. He’s not afraid to stand up and talk to the team. He’s not a big talker though. He rather lead by example. He’s going to show you. He won’t talk about it before he does it. He’s a young leader. Not only is he verbal, but he’s both physical and visual as well. He doesn’t have to say too much to be a leader.
JM: How would you describe the atmosphere at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on game-day?
SW: Man, it’s crazy. Coming from JUCO to this, it’s amazing. I remember my first game against Memphis. I ran out of that tunnel, looked around the stadium and just said, “Wow.” It’s crazy. It makes your heart pump faster. It gives you a rush of adrenaline. It’s a wonderful feeling. I love it.
JM: I know we have a whole season in front of us, but how big would it be for you to receive a Senior Bowl invite at the conclusion of this season?
SW: That would be great. With me coming from the background that I come from, to this very day I still can’t believe that I’m in the position that I’m in. This is me? I’m here right now? I have to pinch myself sometimes. Getting a chance to play in the Senior Bowl would be a fantastic opportunity. That would be a big honor.
JM: What can Ole Miss fans expect from Sam Williams this season?
SW: I’m gonna give it my all to be the best. I don’t wanna sound arrogant but I’m working to be the best so I expect to be the best. I’m gonna line up and beat whoever’s in front of me. That’s just the way it is.
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