Ole Miss Cornerback Chris Graves Jr. Sets Lofty Goals: All-American Honors and Thorpe Award; Credits Pete Golding for Transfer to Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss cornerback Chris Graves Jr. is heading into his third year in Oxford. The now-junior transferred to the Rebels in 2023 after spending his first year of college in his home state of Florida with the Miami Hurricanes.
Under defensive coordinator Pete Golding, Graves Jr. has come a long way, appearing in all 13 games in 2024 and playing over 300 snaps on defense. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound corner has developed into an important player, and his experience will be vital again in 2025.
Golding’s Defense Important in Graves Jr.’s Transfer Decision
Graves Jr. was asked about his decision to transfer to Ole Miss back in 2023, when he was still a redshirt freshman. His answer as to why headed to Oxford? Simply put, Pete Golding’s defense. And Graves’ decision has been a good one, as he has improved working with one of the best in the game.
“I would say the defense,” replied Graves Jr. about why Ole Miss.
“Pete Golding played a big role in that. I just want to be part of a defense that was together, and a defensive coordinator who has a history of sending guys to the right place.“
Chris Graves, Jr. on why Ole Miss
Head coach Lane Kiffin mentioned back in the spring the secondary was a concern. However, that looks to have changed in fall camp, as he has repeatedly expressed how impressed he has been with the position group.
Graves Jr. is also over the moon with the guys around him, including the freshman. He believes the team is destined for big things, and has some high goals personally. When asked about his goals for the 2025 season, his bar is high, and why not?
“First off, All-American. The Jim Thorpe Award, those are the two on my mind.“
Chris Graves, Jr. on his personal goals
The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football. It’s an award that no Ole Miss player has lifted, so it would be a momentous achievement if Graves Jr. or any other Rebels DB can capture it in 2025.
Ole Miss hosts Georgia State on August 30th in Vaught-Hemingway.
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.
