John Saunders Jr. shares advice he gets from cousin, Bears DB Jaquan Brisker
Not everybody has a family member who is an NFL defensive back. That’s the case for Ole Miss DB John Saunders Jr., and he’s been sure to heed the advice of his cousin, Chicago Bears DB Jaquan Brisker.
Saunders revealed some of the best advice Brisker has given him since arriving in college, and how he’s used it to his benefit in Oxford.
“It’s been amazing, honestly. Growing up, he was from the east side of Pittsburgh and I moved to North Carolina, so we didn’t really talk that much,” Saunders told Staples. “But then once we got back in contact, it’s just been amazing man. Like, I just talked to him yesterday. He’s just telling me to just make sure to stay focused.
“When I first got to college, one of the things he told me was to listen to the coaches. And most players in college think they know it all. But I’ve been making sure that everywhere I go — because the coaches are extremely knowledgeable. They know their stuff. That was one of the main things he told me and that just stuck with me ever since. It sounds so simple to just listen to your coaches, but when you actually do it and apply what your coaches are telling you — it’s been great. I’m really appreciative of him, too.”
Saunders, a transfer from Miami (OH), has used the advice to his advantage this season, starring in his role as the Rebels’ starting safety. With three games left in the season, he’s on track to eclipse his career-best in almost every statistical category in 2023.
On the season, Saunders ranked third on the team in total tackles at 48 and currently leads the team in interceptions with three. He also has four pass breakups on the season.
With Saunders help, the Rebels are ranked No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings and are one game behind Alabama to lead the SEC West. Still, the Crimson Tide holds the tie-breaker over the Rebels thanks to their 24-10 win over Ole Miss earlier in the season. The Rebels would need two losses from the Crimson Tide before the regular season wraps up.
Not only that, but Ole Miss has a road trip at Georgia this weekend that is the farthest from a guaranteed win as you can get. Kickoff between the Rebels and Bulldogs is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET live on ESPN.