Ole Miss DE Cedric Jonhson taking the challenge of replacing Sam Williams head on
Cedric Johnson knows the challenge that lies in front of him and his unafraid and welcoming it with open arms.
The Ole Miss junior defensive end is stepping up and filling the large shoes left behind by Sam Williams and aiming to become the Rebels next dominant pass rusher.
Justly or unjustly, Johnson is compounding that task by adding even more pressure of being one of the best pass rushers in the SEC and excelling beyond what Williams did in his record-setting finals season as a Rebel.
“I believe there’s pressure from (Rebels defensive line coach Randall Joyner). Of course he’s going to put pressure on me, like ‘I’ve got to be the guy next year,'” Johnson said. “But I feel like I’m putting more pressure on myself than anybody else will just to fulfill my expectations.”
And what are Johnson’s expectations?
“Be better than Sam. Beat his record,” Johnson confidently replied.
Williams finished his 2021 campaign with a new school record of 12.5 sacks in a single season. He even told Johnson that he expects that number to be replaced or at least give it a run for his money.
The improvement in Williams game last season was hard to ignore and was noticed specifically by Johnson. Now, Johnson is going to try his best to emulate Williams in an effort to take his game to the next level this fall.
“Just (Williams’) consistency,” Johnson said. “The way he changed, obviously, when he had his kid he had this huge turnaround as a person. As a player, he just came in consistent and just try to be the best player he can be. I just looked at that and I’m going to mirror it the best way I can.”
Johnson took a big step forward from his freshman season to this sophomore campaign. He recorded 33 tackles last year, which was 26 more than in 2020 and also increased his sack total from three two years ago to 6.5 last season.
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Last season, Johnson played in all 13 games, which was an increase of three from his freshman season. Despite playing in nearly the same amount of games in each of his first two seasons, Johnson was more confident last year and looking to increase on that confidence this year.
“I settled down a lot more playing my freshman year,” Johnson said. “I feel like my sophomore year I got a lot more comfortable and this year I’m ready to take over.”
Some of that confidence could be coming from a new vibe Johnson said is on the defesnive side of the ball with Chris Partridge now calling the shots.
Partridge was named co-defensive coordinate, sharing the duties with Maurice Crum, after the departure of D.J. Durkin.
“I think everybody just got a better energy about each other,” Johnson said. “Everybody’s just ready to buy in. We’re comfortable. It’s not like a whole new defensive coordinator coming in. We already knew (Partridge) so him coming in and taking over, everybody’s energy is just even better.”
