JJ Pegues Ole Miss DT Emerges as Defensive Anchor for 2025 Season
JJ Pegues has transformed from a tight end into one of the most intriguing defensive tackle prospects in college football. The Ole Miss standout began his collegiate journey at Auburn before transferring to his home state Rebels, where he’s developed into a powerful interior defender with rare athletic traits.
Standing at 6’3″ and nearly 320 pounds, Pegues combines surprising quickness with natural strength that makes him a disruptive force on the defensive line.
With an impressive 85.1 tackling grade from PFF last season, Pegues established himself as Ole Miss’ top tackler on the defensive front while starting 12 games. His journey from offensive skill position to defensive tackle showcases his remarkable athleticism – something NFL scouts have definitely noticed ahead of next year’s draft.
At the NFL Combine, Pegues turned heads by running an official 5.15-second 40-yard dash, exceptional speed for a man of his size.
The Oxford, Mississippi native born on November 25, 2001, currently ranks as the #41 overall prospect according to draft analysts, making him a potential day two selection. His versatility and raw physical tools have teams intrigued about his ceiling at the next level, particularly as he continues refining his technique after relatively recent transition to the defensive side of the ball.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
JJ Pegues, whose full name is Jeremiah “JJ” J’veon Pegues, was born on November 25, 2001. He hails from Oxford, Mississippi, where he would later make a name for himself on the football field.
At Oxford High School, Pegues developed into a versatile athlete despite his imposing size. The young talent stood out as a 270-pound tight end who showcased remarkable athleticism for his frame.
Pegues quickly became known for his unique combination of size and agility. This rare blend made him a formidable force on the high school gridiron and caught the attention of college recruiters across the Southeast.
His dominance at Oxford High School didn’t go unnoticed. Pegues became a highly sought-after recruit with his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
Following his successful high school career, Pegues initially committed to Auburn University to begin his collegiate journey. This decision would mark the beginning of his development as a future defensive standout.
The transition from high school star to SEC athlete would prove challenging but ultimately rewarding. Pegues would later return to his hometown roots by transferring to Ole Miss, where he’d transform from tight end to defensive tackle.
His journey from Oxford High School to Auburn and eventually back home to Ole Miss demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to finding the right fit for his talents.
College Career at Auburn and Ole Miss
JJ Pegues transformed from a versatile tight end into a disruptive defensive tackle, showcasing his athleticism and adaptability across two SEC programs. His journey reflects remarkable physical talent and football intelligence as he developed into a legitimate NFL prospect.
Transition from Tight End to Defensive Tackle
Pegues began his college journey at Auburn in 2020 as a tight end, where his 6-foot-3, 285-pound frame made him an intriguing offensive weapon. Despite his size, he displayed surprising agility, occasionally taking direct snaps in wildcat formations.
Auburn’s coaching staff, recognizing his potential on the defensive side, moved him to defensive tackle during his sophomore season. The transition showcased his willingness to put team needs above personal preferences.
After two seasons with the Tigers, Pegues made the decision to transfer to Ole Miss in January 2022, returning to his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. This homecoming proved pivotal for his development.
The position change ultimately maximized his natural abilities, allowing his explosive first step and power to become genuine assets rather than curiosities in an offensive scheme.
Performance and Statistics
At Ole Miss, Pegues blossomed into a defensive force. His statistics reflect steady improvement as he grew more comfortable at the position.
During his time with the Rebels, Pegues demonstrated an increasing ability to penetrate offensive lines and disrupt plays. His combination of size and athleticism made him difficult for offensive linemen to handle one-on-one.
| Season | Team | Position | Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Auburn | TE | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Auburn | DT | 12 | 17 | 2.0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Ole Miss | DT | 13 | 24 | 3.5 | 0 |
| 2023 | Ole Miss | DT | 12 | 32 | 4.5 | 2.0 |
His growth curve suggests a player who was still unlocking his potential, with his best football potentially ahead of him. NFL scouts noted his improvement trajectory as particularly promising.
Junior Season Highlights
Pegues’s junior campaign at Ole Miss showcased his development into a disruptive force on the defensive line. He registered career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and notched his first collegiate sacks.
Against LSU, Pegues delivered a standout performance with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a crucial sack that halted a potential scoring drive. His ability to collapse the pocket consistently forced quarterbacks to make hasty decisions.
In the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State, he dominated the line of scrimmage with five tackles and a momentum-shifting fumble recovery. These performances elevated his draft stock substantially.
NFL evaluators project Pegues as a mid-round selection with upside, citing his rare combination of size, power, and surprising lateral quickness. His versatility and experience on both sides of the ball demonstrate a football IQ that translates well to professional schemes.
Physical Attributes and Skill Set
JJ Pegues brings an exceptional combination of size, strength, and surprising athleticism to the defensive tackle position. His unique physical tools and developing technique make him a standout prospect with significant upside at the next level.
Strength and Conditioning Review
At 6’2″ and 325 pounds, Pegues possesses the ideal frame for an interior defensive lineman. His mass is well-distributed, giving him a naturally low center of gravity that helps him anchor against double teams. What separates Pegues from many defensive tackles is his explosive first step despite his size.
Pegues demonstrates impressive functional strength, particularly in his upper body. His bench press numbers have consistently ranked in the top tier among defensive linemen in the SEC. This raw power translates directly to the field where he can physically dominate offensive linemen.
His conditioning has improved dramatically during his time at Ole Miss. Early in his career, fatigue limited his snap count, but recent seasons show enhanced stamina allowing him to maintain effectiveness deep into games.
| Physical Measurement | Value | NFL DT Average |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ | 6’3″ |
| Weight | 325 lbs | 310 lbs |
| Arm Length | 33.5″ | 33.2″ |
| Bench Press | 30 reps | 25 reps |
Technique and Defensive Strategy
Pegues brings unusual versatility to the defensive tackle position. His experience playing tight end earlier in his career gifted him with exceptional hand technique and footwork rarely seen in interior defensive linemen. These skills have translated to his ability to shed blocks efficiently.
As a nose tackle, Pegues excels at occupying multiple blockers, creating opportunities for linebackers to make plays. His gap discipline has improved significantly since focusing exclusively on defense.
What truly makes Pegues valuable is his pass-rushing ability from the interior. Most 325-pound defensive tackles are primarily run-stuffers, but Pegues has accumulated 10 career sacks with Ole Miss, including 3.5 in his most recent season.
NFL scouts project Pegues as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with his combination of size and surprising quickness making him an intriguing prospect.
Notable Games and Plays
JJ Pegues has shown remarkable versatility and impact throughout his Ole Miss career, transitioning from tight end to defensive tackle while still maintaining his offensive capabilities. His unique skill set has created several memorable moments across multiple seasons.
Key Contributions to Defense
Pegues emerged as a defensive force in the 2023 season, helping anchor the best rush defense in the nation. In the matchup against Georgia, he demonstrated his disruptive ability by consistently penetrating the offensive line and pressuring the quarterback.
The 2024 season saw Pegues elevate his game further. Against LSU, he recorded 5 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to diagnose plays and make stops in the backfield.
The Arkansas game highlighted his gap integrity, where he maintained his position despite double teams, allowing linebackers to flow freely to the ball carrier.
| Opponent | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | QB Hurries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSU (2024) | 5 | 2 | 0.5 | 3 |
| Arkansas (2024) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Georgia (2024) | 6 | 1.5 | 1 | 4 |
Career-Defining Moments
Pegues’ dual-threat capabilities created several unforgettable plays. His most iconic moment came when he scored a rushing touchdown against Mississippi State in the 2023 Egg Bowl, helping secure a 26-14 victory for the Rebels.
Against Duke in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Pegues dominated with both a sack and a goal-line carry that resulted in a touchdown during Ole Miss’ commanding 52-20 win. His ability to play both sides of the ball makes him a uniquely valuable player.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his versatility. Standing at 6-foot-2, Pegues is projected as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams value his disruptive abilities and unusual athleticism for a defensive tackle.
Scouting Report and Draft Projection
JJ Pegues brings exceptional versatility and athleticism to the defensive tackle position. His unique skill set has NFL scouts intrigued about his potential at the next level, though questions remain about his ideal role.
Expert Evaluations
Pegues has emerged as one of the more interesting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. At 6’2½” and 309 pounds with 32½” arms, he possesses good but not elite size for an interior defensive lineman.
What makes Pegues special is his remarkable athletic ability for his size. Scouts have been impressed with his versatility to play all over the defensive line and even moonlight as a fullback in certain packages.
His strength at the point of attack stands out, particularly his ability to hold up against double teams. Pegues earned Third-Team All-SEC honors in 2024, showcasing his development as a defensive force in college football’s toughest conference.
Most draft analysts project Pegues as a Day 2 selection, likely in the third or fourth round. His positional flexibility could boost his stock for teams looking for defensive line depth with upside.
NFL Combine Performance
Pegues surprised many with his athletic testing numbers at the NFL Combine. His measurements confirmed what scouts suspected – a compact but powerful frame at 6’2½”, 309 pounds with nearly 79″ wingspan.
| Measurement | Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2½” |
| Weight | 309 lbs |
| Arm Length | 32½” |
| Hand Size | 9⅜” |
| Wingspan | 78¾” |
His movement skills impressed for a man his size, showing better-than-expected lateral agility in drills. Pegues demonstrated good explosion in the vertical jump and broad jump, reinforcing his reputation as an good athlete for the defensive tackle position.
During position drills, Pegues showed fluid movement and quick hands, though his technique remains a work in progress. Teams are likely viewing him as a developmental prospect with the physical tools to become a disruptive interior defender at the next level.
Role and Impact on Team
JJ Pegues has evolved into a cornerstone of Ole Miss’s defensive front, providing versatility and playmaking ability that extends beyond traditional defensive tackle responsibilities. His unique skillset allows him to dominate in multiple facets of the game.
Impact on Ole Miss’s Defensive Scheme
Pegues’ versatility has made him a weapon that Ole Miss deploys across their defensive line. As a stout run defender, he consistently anchors against double teams, rarely giving ground at the point of attack.
His surprising first-step quickness allows him to penetrate backfields and disrupt plays before they develop. This explosiveness, combined with his agility, enables defensive coordinators to utilize him at multiple positions.
What truly sets Pegues apart is his two-way capability. In short-yardage situations, Ole Miss has deployed him as a wildcat runner, where he scored seven touchdowns last season. This dual-threat ability forces opponents to account for him in multiple game phases.
According to PFF metrics, Pegues stands as Ole Miss’s top tackler with an 85.1 tackling grade. His consistent performance against the run has been crucial for a defense that relies on his ability to control the interior.
| Pegues’ Defensive Impact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| PFF Tackling Grade | 85.1 |
| Games Started | 12 |
| Games Played | 13 |
| Offensive TDs | 7 |
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Pegues brings an infectious energy that elevates the entire defensive unit. His willingness to embrace unusual roles, including offensive packages, demonstrates a team-first mentality that resonates with coaches and teammates alike.
His comfort in hostile environments has made him a stabilizing force during tough road games. When pressure mounts, Pegues has shown the poise expected of a veteran defender.
NFL scouts project Pegues as a mid-round selection with the potential to rise. His versatility and proven ability to impact games in multiple phases make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking defensive line depth with unique upside.
What separates Pegues from other prospects is his authentic joy for the game. Coaches frequently mention how his enthusiasm during practice sessions raises the competitive level of the entire defense.
Off-the-Field Contributions
JJ Pegues has distinguished himself beyond the football field through his exceptional commitment to serving others. His impact extends throughout the Oxford community and beyond, showing that his character matches his athletic prowess.
Community Service and Charitable Work
Pegues was recently named one of 178 nominees for the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. This prestigious recognition acknowledges college football players who make significant contributions off the field.
The Oxford native’s community involvement earned him a spot on the Southeastern Conference Football Community Service Team. This award is a testament to his consistent volunteerism throughout his college career.
Pegues regularly participates in local initiatives, including youth football camps and community outreach programs. His local roots make his service particularly meaningful, as he gives back to the same community that supported his development as an athlete.
After helping the Rebels to victory in the Peach Bowl over Penn State, Pegues has continued balancing his athletic responsibilities with his commitment to service. As a senior defensive tackle, he serves as a role model for younger players both on and off the field.
