Ole Miss defensive lineman JJ Pegues to return in 2024
Ole Miss defensive lineman JJ Pegues announced Wednesday he would be returning in 2024, per both Instagram and Twitter. The former Oxford (Miss.) four-star prospect was an anchor up front for Randall Joyner‘s defensive line group.
In 2023, the 6-foot-2, 315 pound defender made 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Pegues was a key part of the front seven which helped Pete Golding‘s first year in Oxford go extremely well. The Rebels defensive unit finished the regular season 21st in SP+ defensive rankings, Top 20 in sacks and Top 30 in tackles for loss.
Last season, Pegues played in 12 games and ended his campaign with 26 tackles, five tackles for loss for three sacks.
JJ Pegues attributes his increase in production to Golding’s presence and depth up front.
“We have improved so much as a defense and I have improved as a DT,” Pegues said. “We now understand coach (Pete) Golding’s philosophy and we have a lot of talent that is developing weekly. Early in the year, we were just trying to learn the system and each other.
“We now feel like if we put it all together, we can shut down anyone we face. It’s about doing the small things right and communicate with our coaches,” Pegues said. “It’s all about playing freely and executing the play calls. Coach Golding and coach (Randall) Joyner give us great plans, great calls and we all can’t wait to make plays from their calls.
“We are blessed we have enough different people that we can all stay fresh as well,” Pegues said. “The coaches do a great job of identifying and attacking the weakest offensive lineman on the opposition as well.”
The “hometown hero” will be a key cog for the 2024 defense.
Pegues made the switch to defense at Auburn, but didn’t really hit his stride until he returned to Ole Miss. Under the tutelage of Joyner and scheme run by Golding, he has really seen his production go up. His athleticism and quickness really shines through and he’s a much more disruptive pass rusher.
I anticipate a big step for Pegues in 2024. The bulk of the defensive starters return for a loaded Ole Miss squad. The Oxford, Miss., native should thrive alongside the likes of returners Zxavian Harris, Joshua Harris, Akelo Stone and Jared Ivey along with one of the best defensive line classes in the 2024 cycle.
