Ole Miss cashed in last offseason when they signed rangy defensive back John Saunders Jr. out of Miami (OH). Saunders is exactly the type of player Pete Golding looks for in his safeties. He’s previously played cornerback (check) and has the proper frame for a safety.
There are always doubts about how players from non-SEC leagues will adjust to life in the SEC in year one. Saunders put any doubts to rest after completing his first season at Oxford.
He concluded the 2023 season with 65 tackles (third on the team), four pass breakups, and three interceptions (T-led team).
However, things in the secondary are going to look slightly different in 2024. Firstly, the Rebels will need two starting corners to emerge as well as a strong safety. Secondly, the secondary is no longer ran by the tandem of Keynodo Hudson (corners) and Wes Neighbors III (safeties).
It is now Neighbors (safeties) and former Ole Miss cornerback Bryan Brown (Co-defensive coordinator/secondary).
Brown has been back around town for about a month, but his impact is already being seen by Ole Miss’ starting nickel.
“I like Coach Brown a lot. He’s been a great addition to the team and he’s real familiar with Oxford. He’s a good guy for culture, so he’s like making sure to gel us all together,” Saunders said. “We’ve been having some DB events, getting familiar with each other (and) getting to know him and his family. It’s been great having along.”
“He coaches us (safeties) a lot too. I think this is better too because now we’re all meeting together as a backend. Now I’m learning what the corners are doing and the corners (are) learning what the safeties are doing. We’re all just able to play together and know exactly what everyone’s job and responsibilities are.”
Saunders is also excited to get another season with Pete Golding under his belt.
“(Golding’s) really amazing. He knows all 11 positions on defense, so it’s amazing to just be around him. He could coach me and then a second later, he’s coaching the d-tackle. He’s just so versatile, knows (every spot) and everyone. It’s very good. He coaches my technique a lot, so he really helps me become a better player everyday,” Saunders said of DC this week.
Though, that Last Dance season wasn’t set in stone until mid January. Saunders feels like he could’ve tested 2024 NFL Draft waters, but ultimately elected not to.
Why?
“I just wanted to come back and increase my draft stock as much as I could. With only a few years of experience at a large conference under my belt, I assumed this would be the greatest decision. I definitely felt prepared last year, but I just wanted to be patient and 100%. Instead of approaching something with one foot in and one foot out.
