Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins looks to gain weight, expand role heading into sophomore season
OXFORD, Miss. – It’s no secret to the college football world that Ole Miss possesses a ridiculously talented linebacker room headed into this fall, but what separates the Rebels’ linebackers from others is their proven versatility around the field.
Suntarine Perkins is no exception when it comes to the ability to play multiple roles.
Perkins, the number one player in Mississippi and the number two linebacker in the country, was recruited by all the top college football teams in the country. He did it all for Raleigh (Miss.) High School on both sides of the ball, leading the team to its first state title in 2022.
In that title game, Perkins tallied 331 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Defensively, he notched 6 tackles and an interception.
“That was an amazing experience and I thank God for having been a part of it,” Perkins said Thursday after practice.
He followed that up with MVP honors of the Mississippi-Alabama All Star game.
When it came down to making a college decision, Perkins’ choice was between Ole Miss and Alabama. Current Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding was Perkins’ main recruiter for Alabama two years ago.
“Coach Golding is a great guy, a smart guy. I’m really glad he chose to come here and I can be a part of his defense.“
Suntarine Perkins
Perkins played all of high school as a traditional linebacker, but at Ole Miss in his first season he also spent time playing the JACK, which is a hybrid linebacker and defensive end.
“Last year I was coming in from high school, and everything was fast…When I first came here, they put me at middle linebacker and then JACK, so I was learning both positions at one time. Coach Pete and I had a talk, he asked me if I’d be able to play JACK, so I said, ‘Yes sir, no problem with that.’“
Suntarine Perkins said in regards to his transition into college
On3 Midseason True Freshman All-American Team via @CharlesPower⭐️
Read: https://t.co/qR383sFA4O pic.twitter.com/NSEA4IJboS
— On3 (@On3sports) October 9, 2023
Moving forward for Perkins, Pete Golding has intentions to keep him in the outside linebacker/edge role this year, but return him to the middle of the field in 2025.
“Coach Pete and I had a meeting yesterday, and he was like, ‘This year I’ll give you another chance to play Jack, and then next year I’ll probably move you to middle linebacker to get you ready for the pros.’“
Perkins on his abilities to play defensive end and linebacker
Despite displaying an absurd amount of speed and length, Perkins was only 205 pounds his freshman year, going up against tackles who weigh around 300 or more pounds in the SEC.
Suntarine Perkins 🦈
Remember the name…#StayInTheSip pic.twitter.com/NnRRWo8BoE
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 2, 2023
Going through the spring and into the summer, Suntarine has made a goal for himself to try and get his weight around 215-220 pounds.
“I got a goal. I’m trying to at least get to 215-220 before the season starts. I’m trying to eat anything to gain weight. So far, it’s going good.”
Suntarine Perkins on his weight goal
Even with a smaller build last year, Perkins finished the 2023 season with 3.5 sacks and 18 solo tackles, recording a tackle in every single game. He was also named to the All-SEC Freshman Team.
Freshman All-SEC Team 🏆@suntarine | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/u2QJckAD00
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) December 7, 2023
Between the upgraded talent surrounding him, his experience, and an increase in size, Suntarine Perkins has a chance to emerge as a nationally recognized player in his sophomore season here at Ole Miss.
True Freshman @suntarine Perkins 😤😤
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/AxRlBh4Kaf
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 23, 2023
As we get closer to the Grove Bowl on April 13th, be sure to keep checking in with The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports needs.
