Ole Miss Rebels CB Zamari Walton Relives Clutch Interception vs. Auburn Tigers

Ole Miss Rebels cornerback Zamari Walton had availability with the media on Tuesday and revisited his fourth-quarter interception against the Auburn Tigers.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels beat the Auburn Tigers 28-21 in Jordan-Hare Stadium last Saturday thanks to a huge second half from the defense, which was led by senior cornerback Zamari Walton.

Walton played his best game so far in an Ole Miss uniform, recording three tackles, one TFL, and a fourth-quarter interception to seal the game for the Rebels. The former transfer was available to speak with reporters on Tuesday and relived his clutch interception that was nearly called back. 

"I actually didn't notice when the ball [jostled loose]," Walton told the media. "I was watching [the replay] and I was kind of scared. I knew I caught it, but when [the play] came back I was just praying that the call would stand, and it did."

Walton, a sixth-year senior out of Melbourne, Fla., spent his first five seasons with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets before transferring to Ole Miss during the 2023 offseason. Walton talked about his comfort level in the Rebels' defense now that he is halfway through his first season in the SEC.

Ole Miss Rebels cornerback Zamari Walton (6) on the field versus the LSU Tigers in Week 5 (2023) / Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

"I feel good," Walton said. "It's the second half of the season so I was able to evaluate my first half and some of the things I need to work on. Everything I needed to work on, I made an emphasis on it and I did a good job this past Saturday. 

Through seven games, Walton has registered 11 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and two interceptions. 

The Ole Miss defense has steadily improved each week this season, and Walton reviewed the defensive turnaround. 

"We just keep building confidence," Walton said. "The defense is getting better and better. We're just trying to get the ball to the offense so they can score a lot of points so we've been emphasizing turnovers."

Walton and the Rebels will look to keep the train rolling when they host the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday for the final chapter of the illustrious Khaki Bowl. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the game will be televised on SEC Network.