Ole Miss’ JJ Pegues closing in on a national record and being cheered on by defensive linemen from around the country
OXFORD, Miss. – Typically, big men in the offensive trenches lead the way for touchdowns in the red zone, but at Ole Miss it’s big-man and defensive tackle JJ Pegues who is taking matters into his own hand, turning into the Rebels’ go-to option in short-yardage situations. Pegues spoke this week about his unique ability to score touchdowns along with the challenges he’ll face in Fayetteville this weekend.
The Oxford native, who has recorded 27 tackles on the year, has found himself being used nearly every Saturday to help head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense convert on third and fourth downs, especially in the red zone. Pegues has tallied five rushing touchdowns this season, more than Jaxson Dart, Ulysses Bentley IV, or Matt Jones.
They don’t call him the mayor for nothing 😎@JeremiahPegues4 | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/QKsxzFdQGi
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 26, 2024
Pegues closing in on a record
According to Pro Football Focus, Pegues has picked up a first down or scored a touchdown on all nine of his carries in 2024. He is one of only two defensive linemen with at least five touchdowns in a season since 2015, with the other being UConn’s Jelani Stafford. Oregon State linebacker Jack Colletto tallied eight rushing touchdowns in 2021, and that stands as the single-season record for a defensive player. With his five TDs and four regular-season games to go, Pegues is well within range of breaking the record — and it sounds as if he wants to shatter it.
“We have to get 10, then. It’ll mean a lot, I get DMs (direct messages) from other D-linemen from different schools like, ‘Man, you’re representing the big boys for real.’ It’s a blessing, and I’m thankful for it. It’ll mean a lot being able to break that record. Whenever they call my number, I just go out there and try to execute what I got.“
– Pegues on his touchdowns
Defensive prowess
On the defensive side of the ball, Pegues has been just as effective, helping Ole Miss record a whopping 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss against last week’s opponent, Oklahoma. Up to this point, the Rebs have the second-most team sacks in the country with 34, being one away from Boise State with 35. JJ credits his position coach and teammates for being so effective at the line of scrimmage.
“We just give that all to (defensive line) Coach (Randall) Joyner; he prepares us well. We have a really good game plan and execute our rush plans pretty good, so it’s fun to see everybody eat. Definitely with the D-line, just seeing Princely (Umanmielen), me, Jared Ivey, Get (Suntarine Perkins), Akelo Stone, Big Zay (Zxavian Harris), and Walt (Nolen), seeing them be able to eat, it makes the recruiting process easier because we’re just having fun… us doing that and showcasing that is a real big example for our program.“
– Pegues on the defensive line play
📈📈📈DL JJ Pegues @JeremiahPegues4 from @OleMissFB tallied 6 total tackles, 4 solo, and 3 TFLs including 2 sacks in the #HottyToddy 26-14 win over Oklahoma #StocksGoingUp #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/3OvYSXul1E
— Reese’s Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) October 29, 2024
Facing the Hogs
Moving into this weekend, Pegues speaks highly of Arkansas and the environment in Fayetteville. The last time he was there, Ole Miss lost 42-27, essentially taking all of the momentum out of the Rebels’ season. This time around, with their backs against the wall for the second time in two years, Ole Miss will have a chance to respond and keep their playoff dreams alive.
“They’re always electric. It’s a big rivalry, it’s always hard to play Arkansas. We just feel like we’re up for the challenge, and we have something to prove each and every week, so I think we’re ready for it, and we’re going to get there.“
– Pegues on Arkansas
Game Info
Ole Miss and Arkansas will kick off at 11 a.m. this Saturday on ESPN. Until then, be sure to stay tuned for all of your Ole Miss sports news. Hotty Toddy!
