Ole Miss defensive end Cedric Johnson reveals if he has extra fuel playing against Alabama, Auburn

Alabama native Cedric Johnson went from a three star recruit out of WP Davidson high school, to representing the Ole Miss Rebels at SEC media day in Atlanta. Johnson was asked about his Alabama roots, and his mindset playing hometown teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Auburn Tigers.

“For sure, because growing up I was an Alabama fan and just watching that was like maybe one day I could play on the big screen against or for Alabama, that’s what I used to think but it’s just crazy every time we do play against them or even Auburn, it’s just a blessing to be out there,” Johnson.

Last season, the Rebel’s only two loses outside of their Sugar Bowl loss to Baylor were against Alabama and Auburn as Johnson recorded one of his 6.5 sacks of the season against the Crimson Tide. Him along the Ole Miss squad will have a chance at redemption against both teams this season, with the Rebels facing Auburn Oct. 15 and Alabama Nov. 12, both at home in Oxford this time.

Cedric Johnson breaks down what Lane Kiffin is like as a coach

Ole Miss defensive end Cedric Johnson appeared at SEC media days. There he fielded a variety of questions, including several about his head coach, Lane Kiffin. 

Cedric Johnson opened up during those questions about what it’s like to play for Kiffin. It begins with the trust that he has in his players.

“Of course, with him, going for it on fourth down that puts pressure on us,” Cedric Johnson said. “But he trusts in the players. He trusts in the offense to go for it and if they don’t get it he trusts in the defense to go after them and get the stop.”

“He’s extremely smart,” Cedric Johnson continued. “He knows exactly what he’s trying to do. He’s going to put you in the right positions and he’s got a lot of swag.”

Importantly, Cedric Johnson said that Lane Kiffin also brings tons of swag to the Ole Miss program. The media can see some of that in his public approach, but it’s also part of who he is behind closed doors. That swag then bleeds into the program and their approach. 

“He does bring that (swag) to the team. Y’all can see of social media just what he wears. When he does the team speeches, like before the game, he tells us like, ‘Let’s get after it. Let’s have a great game. Let’s do it with some swag behind us.’”

Cedric Johnson was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2019. He has quickly become a key defensive player for Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss. In 2022, he will hope to boost Ole Miss’ defense to new heights and in doing so build on a 2021 season that was one of the best in program history.

On3’s Daniel Morrison contributed to this report.