Cedric Johnson details how Ole Miss can build off of last year's success

Ole Miss made program history last year, having the first ever 10-win regular season. Making the Sugar Bowl against Baylor could have resulted in 11, which would have been the first time ever. Nonetheless, head coach Lane Kiffin has Oxford buzzing and hopeful for similar results for the 2022 season.

Linebacker Cedric Johnson represented the Rebels at SEC Media Days and had the opportunity to talk about how they can replicate the results. Ole Miss was heavy in the transfer portal this offseason and Johnson thinks getting them acclimated is important. If there is cohesion, Johnson is excited for how things can end up.

“I feel like us continuing to have a bond as a brotherhood,” Johnson said. “Just continue to stick together and work together and not have animosity with each other. You know, new transfers, it can be different things so I feel like staying together. Inviting the new transfers, welcome them in, love them. I feel like that’s just the biggest thing.”

Cedrick Johnson wants to see Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff

Building off the success from last year will be Johnson’s top priority, wanting to take the accomplishments a step forward. He said making the College Football Playoff is the goal for the 2022 season and they will learn from their experiences last year to accomplish it.

“Expectations are — we’re trying to go to the playoffs, we’re trying to go all the way,” Johnson said. “That’s what we talk about as a unit so we got the blueprint. We won 10 games, we’re trying to go further. We’ll take that blueprint. We’ll take what we need to make it better and go from there.”

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As to how Johnson believes Ole Miss can play at either the Fiesta or Peach Bowl, he said the depth on the roster is incredible. Even if he wants to take a breather for a play or two, Johnson believes there is enough quality where there won’t be a steep drop-off.

“I kind of feel like we depth that we got,” said Johnson. “We got so many guys now that can do what the starting ugy is doing. So, I feel like if I get tired, I got another guy behind me that is doing the same thing. It’s just breathing competition.

“The next man is making me better, I’m making him better. Same with our quarterbacks. We don’t know who it’s going to be but whoever it’s going to be, they’re going to be at their best. We’re bringing out the best in each other.”