Ole Miss safety John Saunders, Jr. believes the effort against Tulane was 'pretty good'
Ole Miss Safety John Saunders, Jr. didn’t like the early play by the Rebel defense against Tulane last Saturday in New Orleans, but the second half and the end result were OK by him.
“After we gave up a couple of explosive plays and a couple of scores, I thought we settled in and played pretty good, especially in the second half,” said the senior transfer from Miami (OH). “We never want to give up explosive plays, but we let them get behind us a couple of times.
“Once we got that fixed, we didn’t give up any chunk plays and we settled in for a good second half holding Tulane to just 3 points in 30 minutes.”
What was the difference in the first half and the second half?
“One, we quit giving up the big plays and two, we were getting off the field more often on third downs,” he explained. “I just need to keep on playing fast and not missing tackles.
“I need to wrap up better and keep moving my feet after the hit. I am somewhat satisfied with what I have done, but my goal is to keep improving every phase of my game and getting better every week.”
Saunders has now played in two games – obviously – with Ole Miss, so how does he feel about his performance so far? By the way, he’s sixth on the team in tackles with 7 and he has 3 pass breakups.
“I feel like I knew all my assignments and executed well for the most part,” the 6-2 205-pounder assessed.
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Saunders has played more snaps than any other Ole Miss safety, but that does not surprise him.
“I felt like I would play a lot this quickly. I watched a lot of film from last year and felt like I would fit in,” Saunders added. “I have faith in my ability and I knew I would be ready to come in and make plays. I am just grateful the coaches are giving me the opportunity to go out there and showcase my ability.”
The Rebels do a lot of rotating at the safety positions with Saunders, DaiJahn Anthony, Isheem Young, Teja Young, Trey Washington and Taylor Groves all getting reps.
“When you are in there, you have to be focused and make sure you make the most out of every snap you get,” he said. “I think it brings the best out in all of us. The ones are good and the twos are just like the ones really. You have to be ready to make plays or someone will come in for you.”
Next up, Ole Miss hosts Georgia Tech Saturday in The Vaught at 6:30 p.m.
Saunders respects their skill players.
“They have some fast guys, but if we work our technique and do what we are supposed to do, we will be fine,” he continued. “Like every game, we just have to execute and we will do well. Georgia Tech has some good receivers though and it will be a challenge for sure.”
While Georgia Tech is next, Saunders says what’s really next for him is continued solid play and improvement.
“That will be my goal every game no matter who we play,” he closed.
John Saunders, Jr., wants to go from “pretty good” against Tulane to very good against Tech.
