'Everybody else is here': Cedric Johnson is the only Ole Miss opt-out for the Peach Bowl
Three weeks ago Lane Kiffin said there not any expected opt outs from Ole Miss for the Peach Bowl. The statement might have been factual and one Kiffin felt confident in it as well.
Turns out Kiffin put the cart in front of the horse as news broke over the holiday weekend that Cedric Johnson’s Ole Miss career is over. The senior defensive end chose to not finish out the season and play in the bowl game this weekend, opting to focus on the Senior Bowl and NFL Draft preparation.
During Kiffin’s first press Peach Bowl press conference in Atlanta he provided an new update as it pertains to Ole Miss further opt outs.
“I probably jinxed myself by saying that. Kind of a surprise to us,” Kiffin said. “Wish him the best of luck. We’ll miss him. He was a really important part of this team but everybody has to make their own decision nowadays. Kids think about things differently and so it is what it is, but everybody else is here.”
The 2023 recipient of the Chuck Mullins Courage Award had 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries this season. Johnson played in 46 games in an Ole Miss uniform and finishes his college career with 112 total tackles, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Johnson tied Jared Ivey for most sacks this season.
Ole Miss will be without a key starter along its defensive front but the next man up mentality already kicked in for the Rebels.
“Ced is a valuable piece of our defense. It’s going to hurt us a lot,” said linebacker Ashanti Cistrunk during Tuesday’s press conference. “We’re going to get the next man in. He’s going to perform and do what he got to do.”
This situation is one that presents an opportunity for others. Look for Sunatrine Perkins to get some snaps on the outside while also Isaac Ukwu.
