DE Cedric Johnson Believes Rebels Defense In 'Great Position' After Scrimmage

The Ole Miss Rebels' defense won Saturday's scrimmage, but has to "fine-tune" some things ahead of their season opener in 21 days.

The Ole Miss Rebels brought in defensive coordinator Pete Golding to overhaul a defense that ranked 75th and 57th in total and scoring defense, respectively, last season.

The Rebels held an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, and the defense won the day with Golding's aggressive play-calling style paying dividends. Defensive end Cedric Johnson thinks Ole Miss' defense is trending in the right direction ahead of its season opener against Mercer Sept. 2.

"We're starting to fine-tune some things," Johnson said. "For us to have three more weeks, I feel we're in a great position. We just got to clean up a few more things. We should be fine."

The Landsharks got after the quarterback several times Saturday, showing the speed Golding thinks is most important to playing good defense. The Rebels were tied for 27th last season with 35 sacks.

"I feel like we got after the quarterback pretty well today," Johnson said. "Every group that went in, I feel like we did a great job. Whether it was me, the second group, third group, we were all getting after the quarterback."

They also created four turnovers, including an interception of Spencer Sanders, while also recording a safety.

Ole Miss has had one of the best offenses in the country the past three seasons, and while Saturday is just one data point in the scope of an entire offseason, it doesn't seem as though there is need for concern.

Saturday feels like a positive leap for a defense that gave up at least 30 points five times and at least 400 yards seven times.

"I love the way we're getting after the ball," Johnson said. "I like the way (Golding)'s been coaching us, getting us right. It's exciting for us, especially the D-line. We're going to have a lot more fun this year."

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