WATCH: Ole Miss DL JJ Pegues grabs one-handed INT in Shrine Bowl
In Thursday’s East-West Shrine Bowl, Ole Miss defensive tackle JJ Pegues made his presence known with a one-handed interception, which you can watch below. The highlight reel play is just a feather in the cap after a strong week in North Texas for him.
Pegues is one of ESPN’s Top 200 ‘Best Available’ prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Oxford native and fan favorite was fourth in the SEC among interior defensive linemen this season in pressures (31). Pegues played three seasons for the Rebels and finished with 110 total tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
Ole Miss was also represented in the game by linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul, tight end Caden Prieskorn and wide receiver Juice Wells.
JJ Pegues left Oxford feeling like he left a legacy after transferring in from Auburn. The Oxford native became one of the most beloved Rebels in recent years with his play and his off-field nature. He’s thankful for everything.
“It’s definitely a blessing being able to be in the game,” Pegues said this week of the Shrine Bowl experience, in a sit-down with the Ole Miss Spirit. “I want to thank the East-West Shrine Bowl for giving me the opportunity.
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“It’s a lot of talent over here. I just want to learn from the best. (Ole Miss) was definitely a full-circle moment. It was a great ride. Me and (Jaxson) Dart coming in at the same time and leaving together, feel like we just left a legacy (and) something Ole Miss hasn’t done in a long time.
“Usually you see the offense at Ole Miss. We tried to change that and make it an offense AND defensive school. It was a pleasure being there. I love the community.”
JJ Pegues is the No. 104 overall NFL Draft prospect, per CBS Sports, which highlighted him ahead of the Shrine Bowl.
“Pegeus is a sawed-off ball of energy. Despite being 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds, he will occasionally line up on the end for the Razorbacks. In 2024, he recorded 3.5 sacks. The Mississippi native has a wide array of pass-rush moves. He signed with Auburn out of high school and began his collegiate career as a tight end. A transition to the defensive side of the ball did not occur until the spring of 2021.”
