Ole Miss LB TJ Dottery Reveals What Makes Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding Great
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ATLANTA — Linebacker TJ Dottery was the only defensive representative for Ole Miss at SEC Media Days in Atlanta this week, meaning he got to take the lead on any question regarding the defensive side of the ball.
Dottery played his first full season for the Rebels in 2024, despite transferring from the Clemson Tigers prior to the 2023 season. He did not receive clearance from the NCAA to suit up until the final game of the 2023 season, the Peach Bowl against Penn State.
Now a redshirt junior, Dottery has worked under defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who was hired by Ole Miss in January, 2023, for the entirety of his time in Oxford, and he continues to be impressed. When asked what he has learned from Golding, he delved into the reasons that make this DC so great.
“He’s really intelligent. Like, he’s really intelligent. You know — well, you don’t know, but if you were to see our schemes and the type of things we run, you’d think we’d be running a lot. But he simplified it so where so many coverages are somewhat the same, or have some details that are the same to where all our coverages and scheme. It may seem like a lot but he simplifies it.”
Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery on Pete Golding
Dottery formed a formidable duo last season with Chris Paul Jr., who is now departed for the NFL, combining for 162 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Both linebackers, alongside the defensive front, contributed to the defense becoming one of the best against the run in 2024.
Dottery, again, gives credit to Coach Golding for his ability to explain what his players need to know.
“Just his intelligence of the game, him being able to teach that. A lot of coaches can have all these schemes and not be able to teach to it the players. But him being able to put it from the board to the players’ minds, it’s huge.”
TJ Dottery on Coach Golding
Ole Miss just missed out on the new 12-team College Football Playoff last season, finishing as the No. 13 team in the country, which gives them some added motivation, according to Dottery.
“It’s been a huge chip on our shoulder. All the guys are hungry, new guys and the young guys, everybody’s hungry, that’s been good.“
TJ Dottery
Next Up
Dottery and the Rebels open the 2025 season on August 30 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium when Ole Miss hosts Georgia State. Kickoff is set for 6:45 p.m. CT.
Jordan Merritt
Jordan is a freelance writer who covers sports, games, and more. A United Kingdom native, he covers everything Ole Miss for The Rebel Walk. He has written for several publications, including Athlon Sports, On SI, Fansided, and others. Away from writing, he loves spending time with his family and watching films and TV series.
