Football Practice Report: Juice Boys

OXFORD, Miss.- As the coaches and players of the Ole Miss football team embarked on their fourth week of spring practice, head coach Lane Kiffin, along with players JJ Pegues and Dannis Jackson, met with the media to discuss the last week of practice.

JJ JOINS JUICE BOYS
Kiffin and newly promoted defensive coordinator Chris Partridge are going to be relying on their Juice Boys—the nickname of the Rebel defensive front—as they look to replace All-American defensive lineman Sam Williams, who in 2021 broke the modern era school record for sacks in a season. The Rebels are looking for a consistent rotation to endure the toils of an SEC West schedule, and so far they are pleased with what they've seen.

"I do think depth-wise our defensive line is the best it has been since we've been here," Kiffin said.

The defensive line has been a point of emphasis for Kiffin and his staff since they've arrived, and it has yielded marked year-over-year improvement to this point. One player who hopes to contribute to the rise in 2022 is Auburn transfer and Oxford native JJ Pegues.

"I didn't know JJ when we first got here," remarked Kiffin, "I knew the player, but I didn't know the kid. He's got a great energy, awesome to be around. We lost a lot of really neat kids in that last class; a lot of energy and what we say, juice positivity. It's really cool that we knew he was a good player, but to get that too."

Pegues starred on the gridiron at Oxford High School, but ultimately signed with Auburn just after Kiffin arrived at Ole Miss. However, the junior defensive lineman shared Tuesday that he always longed to come back home—and this spring was the perfect time. Now, Pegues will look to provide a jolt to his hometown team.

"Usually K.D. Hill brings the juice, but being behind him, I've learned from him," Pegues said. "Ever since then, I've tried to bring the juice, bring the energy for the D-line."

WORKING ON WIDEOUTS
Although many eyes are focused on the quarterback battle, there is quietly another battle brewing for priority in the receiving game. The Rebels lost their top three producers at wide receiver and are looking for players to step in and fill the void left by Braylon Sanders, Dontario Drummond and others.

"I think we would be more balanced," Kiffin said. "People have to step up all around."

One candidate to step up is rising senior Dannis Jackson. Jackson caught 12 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns a season ago. Now, as one of the elder statesmen in the receiver room, Jackson is ready to take his game to the next level in 2022.

"I try to be more consistent, I think about that every day," said Jackson. "I still have some room to improve."

UP NEXT
Ole Miss returns to the practice field Thursday for a closed practice followed by media interviews.

The Rebels will once again hold an open practice at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, April 16. Fans should park in the Pavilion garage and enter through gate 33 in the southwest corner. Gates will open at 10:45 a.m. and seating will be available in the south grandstand.

Practice times are subject to change. Stay tuned to the Ole Miss football Twitter account for weekly updates prior to each practice.

RebelsCalendar

Players Mentioned

Dontario Drummond

Dannis Jackson

JJ Pegues

Braylon Sanders

Sam Williams

The University of Mississippi Athletics