SEC Defensive Player of Week Trey Washington preparing for Rebels’ game against Alabama: ‘We show a lot of promise and potential but it’s time to execute’
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss safety Trey Washington led the Rebels in tackles last Saturday in the 48-23 win over Georgia Tech, and on Monday he was rewarded for his efforts by taking home SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
🏈 WK3 | SEC Football Player of the Week
DEFENSIVE: Trey Washington@OleMissFB x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/Tphn08ZKU7
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 18, 2023
Washington enjoyed a master performance against the Yellow Jackets, tallying 10 total tackles (seven solo) in addition to his second career forced fumble and his first two tackles for loss on the season. He currently leads the Ole Miss defense with 20 tackles on the season, and his 6.7 tackles per game ranks 13th in the conference.
As a junior, the Trussville, Ala. native expects to establish himself as a leader of the Rebels’ defense and following the win over Georgia Tech, he talked about the game.
“The tackling today had to be more physical. It wasn’t really a pass game so I just had to be fit and be physical,” Washington explained. Georgia Tech finished its performance in Oxford with 19 more running carries than passing attempts. Despite a lack of physicality at times, the Rebel defense only allowed six points in the fourth quarter.
Washington credits defensive coordinator Pete Golding for the strong level of execution the Rebs have shown in the second half throughout this entire season.
“It leads to more confidence. More confidence in coach, and our calls. We can arrive behind Coach (Golding) because he is always even-keeled no matter the situation, and we can always be counted on to respond,” Washington said.
In addition to Golding’s play calling, Washington also mentioned his appreciation for the continual rotation of players throughout the game.
“I love the rotation. The competitive nature, I always want to play every snap, but I cramped today, so the rotation helped me out a lot keeping my reps down and making sure my body was fresh. When I cramp and I am out, I can count on those guys to come in to do the same thing if not better, so I love that.”
Trey Washington on the depth in secondary
As Ole Miss moves in to week four, the Rebs will face their toughest task of the season thus far going up against the No. 13 Crimson Tide.
Even with an early loss against Texas in week two, Lane Kiffin continues to reiterate that Alabama is not only the “hardest place to play in the country,” but also the best program over the last 10-15 years “on the planet.”
As for Washington, the Alabama native and his defense are ready to finally put the pieces together and show the full potential of this talented Ole Miss defense.
“We show a lot of promise, but it’s time to capitalize on that promise, especially with SEC play coming up. We show a lot of promise and potential, but it’s time to execute.”
Trey Washington
Washington will look to continue capitalizing on his promise as he enters league play with the title of reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Hotty Toddy!
Game info
Ole Miss and Alabama kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT in Tuscaloosa. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
