Ole Miss Rebels LB Suntarine Perkins Named Midseason True Freshman All-American

Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins has made an immediate impact in Pete Golding's defense as a true freshman.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels are 5-1 entering their well-deserved bye week thanks in large part to a vastly improved defense run by new coordinator Pete Golding. The offense has pulled its weight, but Ole Miss' defense was arguably the team's strongest unit during the first half of the season.

There are a lot of players having impressive seasons, but one true freshman has made a huge impact on the Ole Miss defense and received some midseason recognition on Monday.

Linebacker Suntarine Perkins has been named to On3's Midseason True Freshman All-American Team following his impressive start to his collegiate career.

Through his first six games as a Rebel, the former five-star recruit has recorded 24 tackles, four TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and one pass breakup. Perkins leads the Rebels in sacks midway through his freshman year.

Sep 2, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) reacts after sacking Mercer Bears quarterback Carter Peevy (7) during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / © Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

His biggest game in an Ole Miss uniform so far came in Week 4 on the road against the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he registered 2.5 TFLs, two sacks, and five tackles. Perkins has primarily played off the edge and has excelled in his role as a pass-rusher while occasionally playing off-ball. He served as Ole Miss' quarterback spy versus Alabama and gave dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe plenty of trouble throughout the game.

"I think he’s a guy who’s going to continue to get better and better as he’s in Ole Miss’ strength program and continues to learn the defense," On3 writes. "But there’s no doubt he’s a top talent and a guy who’s making plays early on in his career in Oxford. He finished as a five-star for On3 at No. 21 overall and was the No. 2 linebacker in the cycle. He was also a five-star-plus prospect, so Suntarine Perkins is certainly living up to his lofty expectations as an in-state, five-star, huge recruiting win for the Ole Miss Rebels."

The Raleigh, Miss., native is living proof that the best recruits in the Magnolia State play for Ole Miss and they play right away.