Ole Miss Rebels DB John Saunders Named to 2023 Midseason All-Transfer Team
OXFORD, Miss. -- Halfway through the 2023 season, the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels have shown vast improvement on the defensive side of the ball, and it is thanks in part to the transfer portal additions from the offseason.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin gifted new defensive coordinator Pete Golding a unit fully stocked with transfer talent at all three levels. Headlining the defensive transfers is senior safety John Saunders Jr., who is midway through his first season in the Southeastern Conference.
Saunders spent his first three collegiate seasons with the Miami (OH) Redhawks before deciding to transfer to Ole Miss last December, and the High Point, N.C., native has played well enough to garner some national media attention during the Rebels' bye week.
On3 recently released its 2023 Midseason All-Transfer Team, and Saunders was selected as one of the four defensive backs. Interestingly, former Ole Miss cornerback Davison Igbinosun also made the team in his first season with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
"Saunders doesn’t have the stat profile of some other DBs, but the Miami (OH) transfer has been an effective star/free safety for the Rebels.," On3 writes. "Through six games, he’s graded out as a Top 10 defensive back in the SEC — mainly due to his stingy coverage rate (56.3%)."
Ole Miss Rebels safety John Saunders Jr. vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks (2023).
Through six games this season, Saunders has recorded 32 tackles, two TFLs, five pass breakups, and one interception. The former transfer currently ranks third on the team in tackles.
The entire Midseason All-Transfer Defense can be found below.
EDGE: Andre Carter -- Indiana Hoosiers
EDGE: Josaiah Stewart -- Michigan Wolverines
DL: Bear Alexander -- USC Trojans
DL: Trajan Jeffcoat -- Arkansas Razorbacks
LB: Nick Jackson -- Iowa Hawkeyes
LB: Francisco Mauigoa -- Miami Hurricanes
DB: Khyree Jackson -- Oregon Ducks
DB: Devin Neal -- Louisville Cardinals
DB: John Saunders Jr. -- Ole Miss Rebels
DB: Davison Igbinosun -- Ohio State Buckeyes
DB: Shilo Sanders -- Colorado Buffaloes
FLEX: Travis Hunter -- Colorado Buffaloes
