Ole Miss leading tackler Trey Washington set to pace Rebel defense in 2024
OXFORD, Miss. — Defensive coordinator Pete Golding and the Ole Miss defense are set to return one of their most productive pieces from the 2023 season, safety Trey Washington.
The Hewitt-Trussville (AL) native finished the 2023 season leading the Rebel defense with 83 total tackles, 45 of which were solo. This was the eighth-most in the SEC. He also notched three interceptions, tied with John Saunders, Jr. and Daijahn Anthony for the most, and forced one fumble.
Washington was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Georgia Tech, one where he tallied a career-high 10 tackles (seven solo) in addition to his second career forced fumble and his first two tackles for loss on the season.
To me, one of the most impressive attributes of Washington’s game is his ability to perform on the big stage. Trey recorded his three best performances against Alabama (10 tackles), Texas A&M (10 tackles), and Penn State (8 tackles).
At the same time, Washington still found a way to produce at a high level against less competitive opponents, such as he did against Vanderbilt where he snagged two interceptions on top of his three tackles.
While Trey will continue to work with safeties coach Wes Neighbors, there will still be a lot of change in scenery for the senior. He’ll have many new faces around him this coming season and will be joined by seven new defensive backs on the team.
New members of the Ole Miss secondary in 2024, arriving via the transfer portal, include: Louis Moore (Indiana), Keyshawn Lawrence (Oklahoma), Yam Banks (South Alabama), Amorion Walker (Michigan), Brandon Turnage (Tennessee), and Trey Amos (Alabama).
(Click here for Ole Miss Transfer Portal Tracker.)
Last December, before the Peach Bowl matchup against Penn State, Washington sounded like very much like the leader as he talked about his teammates.
“I love these guys. I’ve seen a lot of growth from game one to this game,” Washington explained “Their toughness, play-to-play and their willingness to work throughout fall camp and now to this point has been very admirable. I love these guys for sure.”
He’ll also be playing for a new secondary coach in Bryan Brown, a former Ole Miss corner who is also serving as co-defensive coordinator since his hire in January.
In 2022, when Brown was the defensive coordinator at Louisville, the Cardinals led the nation in sacks (50), had the 14th-most interceptions (15), and the third-most takeaways (30). When you pair the aggression and fast-paced play of Bryan Brown with Pete Golding, a lot of turnovers and tackles for loss will be no doubt be created.
For that reason, I would anticipate Washington to stay atop every defensive statistic next season while taking on a crucial leadership role for all of the newcomers in the secondary room.
For more offseason updates, stay tuned to The Rebel Walk. Hotty Toddy!
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
