John Saunders Jr. opens up on challenge of learning Pete Golding’s defense
Lane Kiffin did some self-evaluation of his program and decided the Ole Miss defense needed to improve. In the last four games of the 2022 season — all of which were losses — the Rebels gave up an average of 34.5 points. If Kiffin were going to accomplish his goal of winning the SEC West, that would not cut it.
So, he returned to his old stomping grounds and snagged Pete Golding from Alabama. A national champion during the 2020 season, Nick Saban employed him as the defensive coordinator for four seasons. Coming to Oxford from Tuscaloosa, a new system and mentality was brought with Golding.
On3’s Andy Staples asked Ole Miss safety John Saunders Jr. about Golding’s system, saying it’s really an NFL one. Golding himself describes it as “complex” but knows the Rebels can handle it. You can tell Saunders is over the moon to be playing for the defensive coordinator.
“It’s been amazing, honestly,” Saunders said during Thursday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “It’s really been a blessing. I’ve just been so thankful that he’s came here and brought this defense. Because he says ‘You play this defense, it really prepares you for the NFL. It’s complex. So, once you get the hang of this, anything will be easy.’ It’s so much going on. Everyone has a job.”
Saunders is in a similar situation to Golding. He was elsewhere last season, playing for Miami (OH) before entering the NCAA transfer portal. He has arrived on campus and has been an impact player for the Rebels as the defensive philosophy transitions.
In nine games, Saunders has recorded 48 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, and defended seven passes. Results have paid off for the player, individually, and as a team. Through nine games, only twice has Ole Miss seen their opponent put up more than 30 points.
“It’s great, man,” Saunders said. “I can’t even put it into words. It’s just so intelligent and smart. Everyone has a role and it just makes sense. It boils together, honestly.”
Golding and Saunders have already faced a couple of high-powered offenses this season. Saturday against Georgia might be the toughest test yet, especially heading to Athens. Carson Beck has been dealing of late and there is a possibility Brock Bowers will return to the field.
Thankfully for Ole Miss, Golding has experience against Georgia and has beaten them in the past. If everyone can do their job and play their role well, as Saunders says the system is designed to do, the Rebels will have a chance between the hedges.