Former Tiger [autotag]J.J. Pegues[/autotag] had an interesting career during his two-year stint at Auburn from 2020 to 2021.
Pegues, who stands 6-2, 300 pounds, started his career as a tight end for Auburn. He would record seven catches for 57 yards during his freshman season in 2020. He was also used as a running back in special packages, rushing for 14 yards on five attempts, which included two plays that resulted in first downs.
When [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] took over in 2021, Pegues moved to the defensive line. There, he made 17 stops.
Following the 2021 season, Pegues decided to return to his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi by way of the transfer portal to play for the Ole Miss Rebels. Pegues’ transfer is a gift that head coach Lane Kiffin waited two years to receive after he initially missed out on landing the hometown product.
“Me and Lane talk about it a little bit,” Pegues said. “We just joke around about it, how he was saying how I never gave him an opportunity to recruit me. It was really deep into my recruitment when I was going to the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game. I had my mind set on one thing. I just didn’t want any other burdens. For a high schooler, that’s a lot to deal with. I really just locked in on that. We just joke about it every now and then.”
This Saturday, Pegues finally gets the chance to meet up with his former squad. He says that he still loves all of his former teammates, but understands that Saturday is all business.
“We talk about it, just about it being a normal game,” Pegues said. “Take it like any other opponent, but just know there’s still love for them on the other side. At the end of the day, there’s one goal and that’s to get the win… I still love them, they’re my friends. But at the end of the day, we’re playing them, so they’re my enemy until the end of the game.”
Pegues has played defensive tackle for the Rebels this season. Through five games, the Auburn transfer has made ten total stops with one quarterback sack. His season-high came against Kentucky on Oct. 1, when he recorded four tackles.
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