Rebels' Zamari Walton Discusses Performance vs. Mercer, Previews Tulane Matchup

Ole Miss cornerback Zamari Walton evaluated his SEC debut and previewed the upcoming matchup versus Tulane during media availability on Monday.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels defense made a statement in Week 1 versus the Mercer Bears by only allowing one score in a 73-7 blowout at home.

The Rebels surrendered a 75-yard rushing touchdown to quarterback Carter Peevy on Mercer's first play of the game but hardly gave up an inch the rest of the contest. The Rebels recorded four sacks and 11.5 TFLs while allowing 142 passing yards and 93 rushing yards.

Despite the defense's performance, Ole Miss cornerback Zamari Walton expressed what his position group needs to improve upon during media availability on Monday.

"I'd say more communication," Walton told reporters. "Getting adjusted faster and some of the penalties could be taken away. I think overall we did pretty good. Obviously, we could do better, but I think we did a good job for the opener."

Walton explained how the defense was able to shape up following the quick score by Mercer. 

"Just next play mentality," Walton said. "Things happen and we just have to focus on the next play and good things will happen."

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin strengthened his roster this offseason via the NCAA Transfer Portal, and Walton was among the haul of players. Walton spent the five previous seasons playing for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and talked about his SEC debut.

"It was fun," Walton said. "The atmosphere was crazy. I mean I enjoyed it, but I'm not going to lie I was a little nervous the first time I went out [on the field] because it's just different for me. But after that first play, I felt good."

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound cornerback mentioned his comfort level in Pete Golding's new defensive scheme. 

"I feel comfortable," Walton said. "Everything is going well, I know the whole defense and now I'm just playing. Feels like I'm back in high school so I'm good."

In his first game at Ole Miss, Walton recorded three tackles and one pass breakup. 

Ole Miss has its first challenge of the 2023 season on Saturday when it travels to New Orleans to battle the No. 24 Tulane Greenwave who are led by junior quarterback Michael Pratt. Walton gave his initial impressions of Tulane's offense during his presser.

"Explosive offense and fast," Walton said. "Good quarterback who does a good job facilitating the field with his teammates. We'll be well prepared, but like I said they're a pretty good team."

Ole Miss is set to take on Tulane at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.