Ole Miss defensive back John Saunders Jr. ‘in position to make more plays’ after position switch
John Saunders, Jr. was penciled in as a corner when he transferred to Ole Miss from Miami (OH) in the off-season.
It was the position he’d played previously.
But when he became a Rebel, the defensive coaches saw something else in him.
“They told me you are a safety,” he smiled. “They moved me to the safety position that primarily covers the slot receiver and off I went.”
Saunders and Ladarius Tennison are battling for the same position. Tennison was a most-of-the-time starter last year after transferring in from Auburn.
Tennison had some knee issues in spring that hampered the number of reps he could get. So, Saunders got a lot of reps with the No. 1 defense. That helped him develop at his new position quicker than normal.
Saunders and Tennison should be a very competent 1-2 punch at that slot. So what’s the difference in safety and corner, we asked John?
“Most of the time, corners don’t have to deal with receivers in motion – that’s what the safeties have to deal with. That is one difference,” said Saunders, who had 52 tackles and two interceptions last year at Miami (OH). “Also, we don’t play as much press coverage at safety. We play off the receiver most of the time and that was another minor adjustment for me.”
Ole Miss safety John Saunders, Jr. (Photo by Bruce Newman)
Saunders said that during his brief time at safety he is finding he likes that position better than corner.
“I feel like I am in position to make more plays, especially in the run game. One of my strengths as a football player is my physicality,” he noted. “I like being in the middle of the action rather than on an island way out wide.
“I think I will really help this defense in run support and my experience in coverage should help in pass defense too.”
After a spring session and most of the summer at safety, what does he feel he has to work on most?
“I need to learn every other position on defense and what everyone does on every play call so I will understand where my help is coming from and how I am supposed to help with every call,” Saunders added.
Saunders is very excited about the Rebel defense.
He believes it will end up being a quality unit, far better than most prognosticators are predicting.
“We had a pretty good foundation of players and the coaches have gone out and added some nice pieces through the transfer portal,” John stated. “Everyone knows our offense is going to be good, but I think we are really going to surprise people on the defensive side of the ball.
“I’m excited to get going and can’t wait for August and the season.”
Saunders is the beneficiary of an NIL contract with The Grove Collective and he could not be more grateful.
“People do not realize what kind of financial burden student-athletes face these days. To have that NIL contract means the world to me,” he said. “I don’t have money worries myself, and I have also been able to help my Mother out from time to time. That’s the best feeling in the world.
“I am very thankful to the Ole Miss family and the Grove Collective for providing that opportunity to me and my teammates.”
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