John Saunders Raves On 'Versatile' Coach Pete Golding, 'Phenomenal' Ole Miss Front Seven

Ole Miss Rebels safety John Saunders is enamored with defensive coordinator Pete Golding as well as the additions on his team's defensive front.

Ole Miss Rebels safety John Saunders Jr. / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss Rebels safety John Saunders Jr. is entering his second season in Oxford, but he has learned enough to know that his defensive side of the ball is a threat to the rest of the Southeastern Conference.

Saunders had an opportunity to test the waters of the NFL after the 2023 campaign, but he elected to remain at Ole Miss for a second season after joining the roster from Miami (Ohio). In his first SEC season, he hauled in three interceptions, tallied 39 total tackles and two tackles for loss, and he believes his draft placement can only improve in another season with the Rebels.

He went into detail about that and more on Thursday.

"Just wanted to come back and up my draft stock as much as I can," Saunders said. "Just having a couple of years in a big conference under my belt. I definitely felt like I was ready last year, but just rather be patient and 100 percent."

Of course, it helps that Saunders has some elite talent around him and a strong defensive coordinator at the helm. Pete Golding was a large instrument in upgrading Ole Miss' defense this offseason via the transfer portal, but his coaching prowess on the field shouldn't go unnoticed.

"He's really amazing," Saunders said. "He knows all 11 positions on defense, so it's amazing to just be around him. He can coach me, and then a second later, he can be coaching a D-tackle. He's so versatile. He coaches my technique a lot, so he really helps me to become a better player."

In particular, Saunders is impressed with how this year's defensive front is shaping up. The Rebels added the likes of defensive tackle Walter Nolen (Texas A&M) and edge rusher Princely Umanmielen (Florida) from the transfer portal this offseason, and there are certain times in practice where Saunders has noticed a stout pass rush from this unit.

"When we get in this one personnel group, I was like 'Man, this looks like a created team in the front,'" Saunders said. "That front seven really looks phenomenal. D-line looks beautiful, man. I'm excited to see how it plays out."

The Rebels will continue through spring drills until their conclusion with the 2024 Grove Bowl, and the regular season will open in Oxford on Aug. 31 against the Furman Paladins.