Ole Miss had two bits of good news regarding defensive backs. First, a current member of the roster has confirmed he will be back for his final season. While a second has committed to the Rebels from the transfer portal.
With all the transfer portal activity and players returning, it felt like the Ole Miss secondary was not seeing much activity. However, the Rebels had good news regarding a pair of defensive backs.
First, the news that current DB, John Saunders Jr, would be back for the 2024 season. Saunders started all 13 games during the 2023 season, contributing significantly to Pete Golding's defense. In his first season with the Rebels, Saunders registered 65 tackles and three interceptions.
A cornerback with his previous team, Miami (OH), Saunders transitioned into a safety under Pete Golding. The decision to head back to Oxford for one more season is great news for head coach Lane Kiffin, getting a reliable player in the secondary.
Let’s run it 🔙 !!! @john5aunders is staying in the SIP 🔴🗣️🔵 pic.twitter.com/aKxJ4tRoKz
— The Grove Collective (@grovecollectnil) January 14, 2024
The second bit of good news was the commitment of South Alabama transfer Yam Banks. The fourth-year defensive back announced his commitment to Ole Miss after a recent visit to Oxford.
Banks has claimed first-team and third-team ALL-Sun Belt honours in his last two seasons with the Jaguars. In his 2022 season, Banks had an impact season, grabbing six interceptions on the year.
The wave to the Sip continues as South Alabama defensive back Yam Banks commits to Ole Miss after a weekend visit. The All-Sun Belt selection is originally from Ridgeland, Miss. https://t.co/duDLfRLYPp pic.twitter.com/foCqExkg4M
— Zach Berry (@Zach_Berry) January 14, 2024
Yam Banks is a Mississippi native and was ranked the number six safety in this year's transfer portal, per 247sports.
It's another top addition to the roster by Lane Kiffin, who shows no signs of slowing down in the transfer portal.