Ole Miss’ JJ Pegues ready to suit up one final time as a Rebel: ‘We started something special and we just want to finish the right way’
OXFORD, Miss. — Senior defensive lineman JJ Pegues met with the media on Tuesday as the Ole Miss Rebels prepare for the Duke Blue Devils in the Gator Bowl.
Pegues, an Oxford native, talked about playing one more time in an Ole Miss uniform.
“For me, being from here, wearing the jersey one more time, representing Chucky Mullins’ 38 is a big thing and a part of me, so being able to do that and honor him should speak louder than anything,” Pegues said.
Around college football, many teams have a lot of players opting out of the bowl game to enter the transfer portal or prepare for the NFL Draft. That is not the case in Oxford.
“We built something special here,” Pegues began.
“We started something special and we just want to finish the right way. Ole Miss has always been different and the coaches here and the players here are built different. Just the mindset is built different.”
JJ Pegues
The Rebels will also have Jaxson Dart at quarterback for one last game.
“That’s our guy, the head man and the guy that makes everything go,” Pegues said of Dart. “Just seeing him out there and fired up like it’s our first game.”
Pegues also talked being a role model.
“It means a lot just to be able to be that role model for kids and have them look up to me,” Pegues said. “It does come with a lot of responsibilities and stuff like that, but I just love every single one of them and no matter what, I would do anything for them if I could and I appreciate them for having open arms and warm hearts for me.”
Next Up
Ole Miss began practicing for the upcoming bowl game this past Saturday. The Rebels will have 15 practices before they leave for Jacksonville on December 29.
Pegues and the Rebels take on the Duke Blue Devils in the Gator Bowl on January 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Adam Brown
Adam Brown joins The Rebel Walk as the Managing Editor after being on the Ole Miss beat as a Sports Editor for over 11 years. He is a lifelong Oxford resident. Brown graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Prior to The Rebel Walk, Brown was the sports editor of HottyToddy.com covering every Ole Miss sport and local high school sports in the community.
