JJ Pegues reflects upon his time as a Rebel: ‘Playing for Ole Miss has been a dream come true’
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JACKSONVILLE – Oxford native JJ Pegues spoke to media after Gator Bowl practice today, recapping what it’s been like to play for Ole Miss over the last three years, and there’s no doubt how much his time back home has meant to the defensive lineman.
After originally committing to Auburn and spending his first season as a tight end with the Tigers back in 2020, Pegues admitted he never thought he’d be playing his final college game as a defensive tackle for a different SEC program.
“Definitely wouldn’t have thought of that, but it’s a blessing, and it’s all in God’s plan… I just try to stay humble through the process. Everybody likes to call me the mayor, but that’s a blessing as well. I never thought I would come back and be the mayor for the day on the Egg Bowl and score a touchdown, so those are plenty of blessings. Growing up, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to play offense and defense, so I’m very thankful.”
– Pegues on playing for Ole Miss
In the process of coming to Ole Miss, Pegues transitioned into a disruptive nose tackle, recording 40-plus tackles and 3.5 sacks in his last two seasons. it’s also worth noting that JJ scored seven touchdowns for Lane Kiffin’s offense, proving to be a versatile weapon in short distance yardage plays.
According to the 6-foot-2, 325-pound stud, his defensive line coach, Randall Joyner, and defensive coordinator, Pete Golding, have played a crucial role in his development as a player.
DT JJ Pegues finishes the year with 7 Rushing TDs #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/SCtQSfeYvU
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 30, 2024
“Their knowledge of the game and Coach Joyner is a pass rush guru, so him being able to help me and Jared Ivey with our pass rush and Coach Golding helping us understand defenses and offenses really bettered us… small things like that definitely help us out.“
– Pegues on Joyner and Golding
In addition to helping him personally, Pegues says Golding has also found success in creating an efficient game plan for the Gator Bowl, despite Duke losing numerous players to the transfer portal — including two of the Blue Devils’ quarterbacks and their starting running back.
“It’s hard, but that’s why we have one of the best defensive coordinators in the SEC. We just leave it up to his hands and whatever he has us do.“
– Pegues on the preparation for Duke
Following the Gator Bowl, Pegues informed the media that he plans on traveling to Arizona in hopes of preparing himself for the NFL Draft, which takes place in late April. Until then, Pegues will wrap up his final moments as an Ole Miss Rebel, which will come to an end on Thursday night in Jacksonville.
JJ Pegues, all around amazing person and Swiss Army knife of the @OleMissFB Rebels, will serve as honorary mayor of Oxford on November 29th. Proclamation adopted at tonight’s Board of Aldermen meeting. @RobynTannehill @JeremiahPegues4 pic.twitter.com/TjKpsQVy0a
— Stacey J. Spiehler (@StaceyJSpiehler) November 19, 2024
“We’ve been trying to soak it up, being from Oxford, Mississippi, and playing for Ole Miss has been a dream come true.“
– Pegues on his time as a Reb
Game Info
Ole Miss vs. Duke will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN. Until then, be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports needs.
