OXFORD, Miss – As we prepare for the first week at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to kick off the 2024 Ole Miss football season, The Rebel Gang The team introduces a player every day. We explain who they are, how they got here and what we expect from them.
Today we take a look at the No. 14 player on our list, edge rusher Suntarine Perkins.
Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding and defensive line coach Randall Joyner have a nice situation in front of them, with a defensive line loaded with talent that deserves the title of one of the strongest lines in the country. Almost every player has plenty of SEC experience, size, strength and overall potential in their skill profile. Perkins brings all of these qualities and more into his second season.
How did Suntarine Perkins come to Ole Miss?
In the 2023 recruiting class, Suntarine Perkins was a five-star linebacker and the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi on all major recruiting platforms due to his incredible, high-level skills as a linebacker. Perkins attended Raleigh High School in Raleigh, Mississippi, where he led his team to the state championship his senior year. In the title game, Perkins, who also played running back, rushed for 331 yards on 32 carries, made six tackles and collected one interception.
His recruitment ultimately ended up being a battle between Ole Miss and Alabama, but in the end Suntarine decided to stay home and compete for Mississippi State.
Career prospects
As a freshman at Ole Miss, the five-star prospect was full of curiosity and expectations, but early in the season, Perkins proved to be the player everyone saw in him, leading the Rebels against Mercer with nine total tackles and recording a sack and a pass deflection.
Against Alabama, Perkins also recorded two sacks and five tackles and held Jalen Milroe in the pocket for most of the game. Although his numbers dropped off a bit as the season went on, Perkins became a key rotation player for Golding, playing in every game and allowing a number of regulars to rest on plays when they needed it.
Real newbie @suntarine Perkins 😤😤
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/AxRlBh4Kaf
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) 23 September 2023
On the way to 2024
As he enters his sophomore year, expectations for Perkins have only increased. When we last spoke with Perkins in early August, he told us: The Rebel Walk, the He currently weighs 210 pounds and is projected to be 225 pounds by the start of the season. With the help of his favorite fast food restaurant, Taco Bell, Perkins believes he will reach his weight gain goal in the near future.
In terms of football, it’s important to remember that Perkins has played linebacker for most of his career, but with his speed, ability to fend off blocks, and strength, he seems to be better suited to the line of scrimmage.
Year 2 I’m waiting for you
And every opponent ⏰ pic.twitter.com/ThDXSL75dP— Suntarine Perkins (@suntarine) July 27, 2024
Not only is Perkins an edge rusher, but his athleticism and physicality also allow him to drop into coverage to defend a tight end or running back. Although we expect Perkins to spend most of his time on the defensive line, this is a player who can play any linebacker position at any time. His versatility will allow him to become a very important part of the Rebels defense in 2024.
Camp Notes
So far in camp, Perkins has worked with Coach Joyner on individual drills for the defensive line, along with veterans like Jared Ivey, JJ Pegues, Zxavian Harris, Walter Nolen, Akelo Stone, and so many other talented players. As mentioned above, Perkins’ role will increase significantly from last season, even if he is now a rotation player at Ole Miss.
He will have the opportunity to learn from several future NFL draft picks while expanding and building on his experience on the football field. Be sure to look out for No. 4 this fall!
Zach Moreth
Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss studying Sports Administration. When he’s not watching and playing sports, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and being active. I’m excited to help cover our amazing Ole Miss sports teams!
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