Ole Miss DE Cedric Johnson believes the Rebels’ chemistry helps team push through adversity: ‘I believe it’s the brotherhood’
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss defensive lineman Cedric Johnson and linebacker Suntarine Perkins both earned SEC honors following the Rebels’ 28-21 victory over Auburn last Saturday. Johnson was named the SEC Defensive Linemen of the Week and Perkins was awarded the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week.
Johnson tallied five total tackles in the win, and despite leading the team with 1.5 sacks, he says he was thrown off when he heard the news about his award.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting it. I know I had a solid game but I put a lot of pressure on myself so I personally don’t think I played as well as I should so I am surprised. I am honored though. I’m glad I got it,” Johnson said, smiling.
Perkins’ performance was impressive also, as he racked up five total tackles and one sack. According to Johnson, the improvements of the true freshman throughout the season have been eye-opening to the defense.
“He’s a freak athlete to start. Over the weeks I’ve been seeing him start to focus in and really settle in as a football player. The first few weeks, he’s in there and he’s a freshman obviously. In your first few games, you are just trying to find the pace of the game but I’m really starting to see him settle in. He’s playing faster and just getting better and better every week.”
Cedric Johnson on Suntarine Perkins
Besides the improvements of Perkins, Pete Golding’s defense as a whole has done a fantastic job turning the ship around after allowing 49 points to LSU in week five. Over the ensuing two weeks against Arkansas and Auburn, the Rebel defense only allowed 41 points, eight less than they allowed against LSU, alone.
Johnson commented on the progress of the defense.
“I believe we are starting to mesh it all together, how we want to play. We still have a few little things to clean up on, not letting teams stick around with us. I feel like we are overall getting to where we want to be as a defense.”
Cedric Johnson
Not only is the defense coming together, but the offense also proved to be productive when it needed to be against Auburn. Throughout the season, both sides have stepped up when the other is struggling. Against LSU, the offense helped the defense, and versus Arkansas, the defense covered for the offense. Against Auburn, both units benefitted from each other throughout the game.
When the score was tied 14-14 in the third quarter, the Ole Miss offense failed to score on three straight drives, but the defense was able to hold Auburn to the same result. While it is easy to compliment Lane Kiffin and his offense for eventually scoring back-to-back touchdowns, it would not have been possible without the defense.
Johnson says there is one trait that has allowed this team to push through such a large amount of adversity every week.
“I believe it’s the brotherhood. Us being able to count on each other and have each other’s back. When the offense isn’t doing good, the defense pulls them up. When the defense isn’t doing good, the offense pulls them up. I feel like us having great chemistry like we talked about and just having each other’s back.”
Cedric Johnson
Heading into homecoming week, the Rebs are the 12th-ranked team in the country and still have SEC matchups against Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Mississippi State. Cedric says the difficult schedule and potential of finishing the year with just one loss is helping the Rebs continue to stay motivated and locked in.
“It’s a great feeling for the team. It’s keeping us together, knowing that the main goal is still there…I feel like having the main goal still in hand is keeping our head on straight.”
Cedric Johnson
Tune in at 6:30 this Saturday to watch the Rebs take on Vanderbilt. The game will be televised on SEC Network and held at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
