Safety Trey Washington Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

The senior Rebels safety was honored by the Southeastern Conference on Monday.

OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss Rebels senior safety Trey Washington was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

Washington was responsible for a career-high 10 tackles on Saturday, seven of which were solo. He also added his second career forced fumble and registered his first two tackles for loss of the 2023 season in the 48-23 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

The safety currently leads the Ole Miss defense in tackles this season with 20, and his 6.7 tackles per game ranks 13th in the Southeastern Conference.

Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

Following the game on Saturday, Washington was made available to the media where he discussed his performance alongside the defensive progression seen on the team through the first three weeks of the season.

"We show a lot of promise, but we have to capitalize on our promises," Washington said. "Heading into SEC play next week, we have to execute because the conference games are just getting started. We can talk through the plays and everything, but at the end of the day, it's about just doing it."

Ole Miss has appeared to be a second half team through the first tests of the season, coming back to defeat the Tulane Green Wave in Week 2 and holding off a comeback attempt from Georgia Tech on Saturday. Much has been made about the Rebels' halftime adjustments, and Washington had a message for his team at halftime against the Yellow Jackets.

"Do not panic," Washington said. "I love this group because there is no panic. Adversity hits, and there is no hesitation. As a team, we are just ready to go and compete." 

Ole Miss' defense will face a test this week as it opens conference play on the road against the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide. Kickoff in that game is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS.