Ole Miss DE Cedric Johnson is embracing new technique at his position, enjoying camaraderie with his teammates
OXFORD, Miss. — It’s finally game week as Ole Miss is preparing to host Mercer Saturday in Oxford for the season opener, and defensive lineman Cedric Johnson is excited about the upcoming campaign.
Johnson was recently named the Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner and will wear a number 38 patch in Mullins’ honor this season.
In four seasons as a Rebel, Johnson has accumulated 71 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in 39 games. The Mobile, Alabama native is Ole Miss’ active leader in sacks and is expected to play a large role on the defensive line in 2023.
Still playing defensive end, his position will change a bit as he is now a stand-up player; whereas, he was playing out of a three-point stance prior. Johnson will have the chance to face more one-on-one matchups this season under new defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s four-man front.
“I’m loving the new position. It gives me a lot more freedom, a lot more room to grow I feel as a player overall. It’s been a lot of fun for me. We have four d-linemen on the field now and won’t have to take as many double teams anymore. It’s going to be fun. D-line is going to have a lot of fun, I’m going to have a lot of fun. I’m just loving it.”
Johnson on his position in new defensive scheme
Johnson has received a number of accolades this preseason having been named to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List, 2023 Bednarik Award Preseason Watchlist, 2023 Preseason All-SEC First Team (Phil Steele), and 2023 Preseason All-SEC Third Team (Athlon, Lindy’s).
As one of the leaders on the defense, Johnson has put a big emphasis on making sure his teammates, especially the freshmen, do not look at Mercer as a lesser opponent.
“Freshmen, they don’t know what to expect. It’s their first college game so we’re all going into it head on. We know that this isn’t any slight of a team. We know that this is a big game for us so we’ve got everybody locked in.”
Cedric Johnson
This year, fans will hear a lot of new names, especially on defense. Johnson, one of the players who has been in Oxford from the start of his collegiate career, talked about how the team has embraced both freshman and transfers.
“I feel like the older guys, the guys that have already been here, have had open arms to all the guys. (Defensive line) coach (Randall) Joyner helps us do a good job facilitating things for us to do together. We even facilitate our own things. It’s been a fun time for us.”
Cedric Johnson
There is no doubt Ole Miss fans like to have fun. The Ole Miss players are ready to have some fun too. The long wait is finally over. It’s time for Rebel football. ARE YOU READY?!?!
Nick Filipich
Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.
