Suntarine Perkins feels ‘more comfortable’ in Rebels’ defense, looks forward to playing more vs. Georgia Southern
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss EDGE/linebacker Suntarine Perkins stepped up to the podium Tuesday afternoon to talk with media and discuss his transition into year two, along with his experience playing with arguably the most talented defensive line in the country.
Perkins, a converted linebacker, could find himself with a lot more playing time this Saturday if EDGE Jared Ivey is out or in a limited role after suffering an ankle injury against Wake Forest. Perkins confirmed Tuesday that he and Princely Umanmielen will play on opposite sides from each other, giving Perkins an opportunity to start.
And the former 5-star recruit will be ready. In comparison to last year, he says that he’s been able to gain a much better grasp on the defensive scheme of Pete Golding through the help of defensive line coach Randall Joyner and analyst Lou Spanos.
“This year, I feel more comfortable than last year, getting used to the system, and feeling like I’m in a better spot to make plays…I feel like I’m adapting pretty well, working with Coach (Lou) Spanos and Coach (Randall) Joyner, we go into it every day, working on pass rush moves and working on beating the tackles to the spot.”
– Perkins on Golding’s defense
Through week three, the sophomore has recorded five tackles, one and a half sacks, and, of course, an interception, which he notched on the last offensive drive of the game for Wake Forest. Unlike a usual interception, the ball was deflected directly in the air and Perkins made a phenomenal catch in the backfield.
🦈 @suntarine with a tremendous one handed interception after the tipped pass! @OleMissFB #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/kSwN4lYHXb
— College Football Headlines (@CFBHeadlines) September 15, 2024
According to Suntarine, this was his first interception since playing at Raleigh (Miss.) High School.
“You know it’s all about eye control, keep your eyes on the ball, and I just made an interception.“
– Perkins on his interception
The Ole Miss defense is currently No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense. Additionally, the Rebels have not allowed a touchdown, rushing or otherwise, through three games for the first time since all the way back in 1961.
The unit is also No. 7 in the nation in 3rd down conversion percent defense — meaning they get off the field on third down, something they’ve struggled with in the past. They’re also tied for No. 2 in the nation on red zone defense.
Perkins knows, regardless of who is on the field, the Rebels’ defensive line is special. And he’s learning a lot from the veterans on the team.
“They help me out every practice. Being with those guys and seeing what they’re capable of and what I can learn from them…You just turn the TV on and see it for yourself on Saturday. That D-line is crazy. We have Walter Nolen, JI (Jared Ivey), JJ Pegues, and those guys get after it every play.“
– Perkins on the defensive line
Ole Miss will take on Georgia Southern this weekend in Vaught-Hemingway at 6:45 p.m. As Suntarine says, “See it for yourself!”
For the remainder of the week, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk. Hotty Toddy!
