B-Brown’s proven ‘a good guy’ for the ‘culture’ of the back end of the Ole Miss defense
Veteran safety John Saunders, Jr., is entering his second season as an Ole Miss Rebel and playing under defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
The Rebels were vastly improved last season. Saunders, Jr., a transfer from Miami (Ohio), played a major role. He finished with 39 total tackles, three interceptions and two tackles for loss.
He put off April’s NFL Draft and exercised his final season of college eligibility to chase a championship with the Rebels next season. The College Football Playoff is expanding to 12 teams. Ole Miss has been ranked in the Top 10 in each of the last three.
“He’s really amazing,” Saunders, Jr., said of Golding. “He knows all 11 positions on defense. He could be coaching me and then a second later he’s coaching the defensive tackles.
“He’s so versatile.”
The same description could apply to Golding’s new right-hand man, Bryan Brown.
Brown is a former Ole Miss defensive back. Head coach Lane Kiffin hired him in the off-season as co-DC after coordinator stints at Louisville and Cincinnati.
Brown is primarily coaching the Ole Miss corners.
“I like coach Brown a lot; he’s been a great addition to the team and knows a lot,” Saunders, Jr., said. “He’s real familiar with Oxford, and he’s a good guy for culture. He’s making sure we all gel together. We’ve been having some (defensive backs) events — getting familiar with each other and getting to know his family.”
Washington On His Side: Bryan Brown already bringing positive change to Ole Miss defense
Saunders, Jr., appeared in 23 games over three seasons at Miami (Ohio).
He notched five combined interceptions, including a pick-six against Cincinnati in his second career game. Saunders, Jr., led the Redhawks in pass breakups (10) in 2022.
“It’s been great having him along,” Saunders, Jr., said of Brown. Saunders, Jr., was one of three Rebels who met the media on Thursday.
Ole Miss was fresh off its second of three practices this week. The Rebels are in their third full week and close out with the annual Grove Bowl April 13.
Saunders, Jr., continued: “He coaches (the safeties) a lot, too. I think this is better, too, ‘cause now we’re ll meeting together as a back end.
“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 responsibility is.”
Saunders, Jr., was joined at the Manning Center by veteran Ole Miss offensive lineman Jeremy James, as well as Arkansas transfer linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul.
Here’s everything they had to say.
