‘Ivey League’: SEC stardom didn’t come easy to Ole Miss’ John Saunders
All John Saunders wanted was an opportunity.
Saunders left Miami (Ohio) for Ole Miss two off-seasons ago following a pitch from by then-Ole Miss co-defensive coordinators Chris Partridge and Maurice Crum. Now-fifth-year Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, however, let them both go before Saunders ever got to campus.
Saunders didn’t blink. Pete Golding, after three seasons as DC at Alabama, came to Ole Miss and initiated an impressive defensive turnaround.
“I try to focus on what I can control,” Saunders said told his Ole Miss teammate, Jared Ivey, on this week’s ‘Ivey League,’ powered by RiverLand Roofing.
“When they all got up out of here, I was like, ‘I can’t do nothing but focus on my craft. If I handle my business, everything will take care of itself.’ After they were gone, I just kept working hard. I talked to Pete, too. They told me, ‘We’re playing the best players.’ That’s all I needed to know.
“We playing the best players? Imma be the best and Imma play. That’s all.”
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Saunders started all 13 games for Ole Miss last season.
He finished as both the Rebels’ top-graded overall defender (79.1), as well as their top coverage defender (80.3), according to Pro Football Focus. More impressively, he did it at a new position, safety. Saunders is a converted cornerback.
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He tied for the team lead in interceptions (3). Saunders was third in total tackles (65) and pass breakups (5).
“This defense is great, especially playing safety,” Saunders said. “You get to play every formation and position. If it’s a set away from me, I get to show my post skills. If it’s a slot to me, I get to guard the slot.
“It’s a symmetrical defense and allows me to showcase all the skills, really. You get to play low-hit man, you get to play high-hit man. You get to show all the skills you’ve got. My favorite skill is playing the ball. I love catching interceptions and forcing fumbles. I love that.”
The ‘Ivey League’ is powered by RiverLand Roofing and exclusive to the Ole Miss Spirit. For all your roofing needs, text or call RiverLand Roofing today at (662) 644-4297. Visit them online at RiverlandRoofing.com.
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