Ole Miss LB Dottery Confident in Young Rebels Defense: ‘That Never Changes, That’s the Standard’

OXFORD, Miss. — As the Ole Miss Rebels gear up for their season opener against Georgia State, junior linebacker TJ Dottery is stepping confidently into his role as one of the team’s emotional and strategic leaders. With the departure of key veterans and the emergence of a younger defensive corps, Dottery’s voice has taken on even more importance.

“Excited, man. A lot of juice in the building,” Dottery said with a smile as he addressed the media ahead of game week. “I’m excited to watch the team just come together and put it on display this weekend.”

After a strong 2024 season where he served as the team’s defensive signal-caller, Dottery returns as the green dot—the designated player who communicates play calls from the sideline. Despite the offseason departure of fellow linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul, Dottery emphasized that his responsibilities haven’t changed.

“No sir, I was the green dot last year,” he said. “As far as communication and trying to get everybody aligned and assigned, I was in the same role.”

A New Era for the Defense

While Dottery’s role may remain consistent, the personnel around him certainly has not. With a number of key veterans graduated and off to the NFL, this year’s Rebels defense features a healthy dose of youth—especially up front. Still, defensive coordinator Pete Golding and Dottery alike remain bullish on the group’s potential.

“Man, I’m excited,” Dottery said when asked about the new faces on the defensive line.

TJ Dottery

One of those now-veteran players making his presence felt is linebacker/edge Suntarine Perkins. Entering his third year, Perkins has taken on a bigger leadership role in both words and actions.

“I’ve watched him grow,” Dottery said of his teammate. “Whether it’s vocal or just how he practices—because the way he practices is how he plays—he’s all over the field, a hard worker. That rubs off on the guys.”

Carrying the Torch

Even as new names emerge, Dottery remains a crucial element of the defense. Now one of the most experienced players on the roster, he says his focus this fall has been on helping the younger players get ready mentally for the season.

TJ Dottery

That mindset starts with the program’s trademark “Landshark” defensive identity—physical, fast, and relentless.

“Same physical, dominating mentality,” Dottery said when asked to compare this year’s defense to last year’s unit. “That never changes. That’s the standard.”

And that standard remains critical, especially as the offense adjusts to life after the record-shattering college career of Jaxson Dart. With a new quarterback under center, the defense could find itself under increased pressure to lead.

“Yes sir, you can look at it that way,” Dottery admitted.

TJ Dottery

Goals in Sight

While Dottery remains team-focused, he isn’t shy about his individual aspirations either. When asked about personal goals, he didn’t hesitate.

“Definitely. I have a lot of personal goals—tackles, trying to be a Butkus finalist and things like that,” he said. “But those are things that are down the line. Right now, we’re taking it week by week—focused on Georgia State.”

Respecting the Opponent

The Rebels open their season this Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium against a Georgia State squad that Dottery isn’t overlooking.

“They’re going to come in tough,” Dottery said. “They don’t look at this game as not a big deal. They feel like they can come in here and play with us. So it’s about coming out and dominating.”

With kickoff approximately 48 hours away, it’s clear that the tone for the Rebels’ 2025 defense will be set—at least in part—by Dottery’s voice in the huddle and his leadership on and off the field. Focused, energized, and determined, he’s ready for the challenge—and ready to lead.