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LIVE! From the Manning Center: Saunders, Jr., says Ole Miss preparing for ‘toughest month yet’

Ben Garrettby:Ben Garrett•10/31/23•

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Ole Miss safety John Saunders, Jr.

John Saunders, Jr., wasn’t around last season when Ole Miss won seven of its first eight but lost four its final five. 

He was still at Miami (Ohio), where he appeared in 23 games over three seasons, all but exclusively at corner. He led Miami in pass breakups (10) last season. 

Saunders, Jr., transferred to Ole Miss in the off-season and was quickly moved to safety. He’s started every game and is third on the team in tackles (40). He’s tied for first in interceptions (2) and pass break-ups (5).

So, Saunders, Jr., can’t really speak on what went wrong for the Rebels that took them from playoff contention to the Houston Bowl in a month’s time. For these Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) to avoid a repeat, all he can really go on is what he believes is a strong locker room culture.

“It’s really good, leadership,” Saunders, Jr., said Tuesday. He was one of three Rebels to meet the media as the Rebels continue their push to Texas A&M. Ole Miss will kick off against the Aggies Saturday at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN. 

He continued, “Everybody’s making sure to come together and bond together. We need everybody in the locker room because we’ve got a tough stretch. November’s going to be the toughest month yet. We’ve got to make sure everybody’s onboard and ready to deposit and go in and win these next four games.” 

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The Aggies have disappointed at just 5-3 (3-2) on the season.

However, Saunders, Jr., knows the challenge ahead.

“They’ve got a talented group,” he said. “Every team in the SEC has weapons at every position, so we’ve just got to make sure to execute the game plan and limit them and lock them down.”

Saunders, Jr., said he’s “learned a whole lot” in his one and only season in the SEC. His experience at corner has also helped ease his transition to safety.

“You’ve got to bring it every play,” Saunders, Jr., said. “You’ve got to make sure every play you’re on your Ps and Qs and ready to go attack every play like it’s the one that’s going to matter the most.

“I feel extremely comfortable. When I get to press and get hands-on, it feels like the old days playing corner. It feels good.”

Saunders, Jr., was joined at the Manning Center by defensive tackle JJ Pegues and wide receiver Jordan Watkins. Here’s everything they had to say.

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