Washington On His Side: Bryan Brown already bringing positive change to Ole Miss defense
Ole Miss safety Trey Washington is a veteran of this game that is college football.
So, no, a change in position coach — to former Rebel Bryan Brown, in the off-season — didn’t faze him at all.
Actually, Brown, previously of Louisville and Cincinnati, has already brought about positive change for the room, specifically in communication.
“It’s been really good,” Washington said Thursday following the Rebels’ fourth practice of the spring. The Rebels will practice once more this week and close out with the annual Grove Bowl April 13.
“When they hired him, I had a conversation with him, and he sounded like a good dude. He’s been good (and) held onto his word. He’s again emphasizing communication; that was one of our weaknesses last year.
“I’ve seen (improvement there) already in the few days we’ve practiced.”
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Brown was officially hired on as Ole Miss co-defensive coordinator.
He teams up with Pete Golding. Golding, after three seasons in the same post at Alabama, initiated an impressive turnaround for the Rebel defense last season. Ole Miss won a program-record 11 overall games. The Rebels dominated then-No. 10 Penn State in the Peach Bowl.
They also finished in the Top 10 — where they’ve been ranked in each of the last three years. Washington led Ole Miss in tackles (83) and interceptions (3). His Rebels have been ranked as high as No. 5 in early projections for 2024.
“This is really a pivotal year,” Washington said. He’s a senior entering his final Ole Miss season. “We got a year with learning curves and all that. Now, we get to apply that to next year.
“I’ve seen some really good stuff.”
Washington wasn’t the only Rebel to take the Manning Center podium following practice on Thursday.
The others were seniors JJ Pegues (defensive tackle) and Jordan Watkins (wide receiver). Here’s everything they had to say.
