NFL running back Chris Johnson better take note of this. Small-school wide receiver Wendell Williams of Cumberlands in New York ran a ridiculous 4.19 40-yard dash at the regional combine in Minnesota on Saturday:
Wendell Williams from University of Cumberlands just broke a record @NFLRegCom running the 40yrd dash in 4.19! #dontstopyafeet
— NFLRegionalCombines (@NFLRegCom) March 5, 2016
Williams, who was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, has a truly interesting story.
In addition to his football prowess, the wide receiver is a start on the track and field circuit. Back in May of 2015, Williams earned the NAIA National Championship in the Men’s Long Jump.
Prior to him starring for the small New York college, Williams found himself driving a truck to earn some cash after dropping out of two separate colleges over a one-yea span.
With the backing of his mother, the elite-level athlete worked his way back, earning a spot on the Herkimer Community College dean’s list prior to eventually transferring to Cumberlands.
It’s not yet known whether Williams will get a look from NFL teams during the draft or as an un-drafted rookie free agent this upcoming April. What we do know is that his 4.19 40-yard time would have bested Chris Johnson’s 4.24 time during the 2008 combine.
At a time when NFL teams are looking for strong athletes at the wide receiver position, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Williams get a shot late in the draft.
That’s only magnified by the fact that this specific draft class lacks a ton of athleticism from the wide receiver position.