Kapena Gushiken Embracing Growth and Opportunity in Ole Miss Secondary
OXFORD, Miss. — During his media interview this week, Ole Miss defensive back Kapena Gushiken reflected on the progress of the secondary unit during fall camp. “I think we’ve been doing good,” he said. “There’s been a lot of mistakes but you gotta make mistakes in order to get better.”
The transfer from Washington State highlights a growth-oriented mindset, recognizing that errors are part of the process as the team works to gel and master the defensive playbook.
A Comparison to Trey Washington: Football IQ and Work Ethic
Earlier this week, head coach Lane Kiffin likened Gushiken to former Rebel standout Trey Washington.
“Yes, he’s really versatile. Can play a bunch of spots, really savvy player. (We’re) hoping he could be Trey Washington-ish for us. Really smart. So, really good to to have him then.“
Lane Kiffin on Gushiken
Gushiken responded to his coach’s comparison of him to Washington.
“I kind of knew him just based off of the tape,” Gushiken said, describing Washington as “a vet who knew the playbook in and out who let his work ethic and football IQ help him.”
When asked if he builds his own game around similar principles, Gushiken affirmed, “I would say so, I like to cover all areas of my game, yeah.” His emphasis on preparation and intelligence reflects a mature approach to his role in the defense.
Why Ole Miss: Scheme Fit and Immediate Impact
Gushiken was asked his reasons for choosing Ole Miss and he cited some factors shared by other defenders who have arrived in Oxford. “It was just the scheme and Pete Golding, his defense, their success in the past,” he explained. “I could see myself being a great fit and coming in and making an immediate impact right away.” Gushiken’s belief in the system and coaching staff has fueled his commitment to learning quickly and contributing from day one.
“I love where they have me at right now,” Gushiken added, expressing satisfaction with his current position in the defense. “I’m just trying to learn as much as I can in this new scheme and let everything else take care of the rest.” His focus is on absorbing the playbook and trusting the process as he adapts to his new environment.
Sharpening Skills Against Elite Receivers
Gushiken praised the Ole Miss receiving corps, noting how practicing against top-tier talent helps elevate the secondary’s performance.
“I think [they] help us understand that if we can lock these guys down in practice then we can lock down anybody in the country. They’re the best it gets.”
Gushiken on going up against Ole Miss receivers
This daily challenge is helping the defense build confidence and refine their coverage skills.
As fall camp progresses, Gushiken emphasized the importance of teamwork and understanding. “I think we’re continuing to build chemistry and understand our strengths and weaknesses and we’re just growing as a group,” he said. His comments reflect a collective effort to improve and prepare for the season ahead.
That season begins August 30th as Ole Miss hosts Georgia State in Vaught-Hemingway.
Jacob Quaglino
Jacob is a New Orleans, LA native and Ole Miss alumni, Class of 2024 and staff writer with The Rebel Walk. He has been a diehard fan of all Ole Miss sports his entire life, with his earliest Ole Miss sports memory being the Rebels' iconic 2008 upset of then-No. 4 Florida. Among his other favorite Rebel sports memories are storming the field after beating LSU in 2023 and Georgia in 2024, watching the Rebels upset Alabama in back to back years in 2014-15, seeing the women's golf team win the school's first-ever NCAA-recognized national championship in 2021, and watching the Rebel baseball team win the College World Series in 2022. He remains exceedingly hopeful that the Ole Miss Athletics Department's national championship trophy collection will grow in the coming years. Outside of The Rebel Walk, Jacob also works for a local radio news station and has many interests and hobbies, including reading, writing, watching college sports, playing pickleball, and traveling.
