Ole Miss CB Senquez Golson Seeing Stock Soar in 2014
Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Senquez Golson (21) intercepts a pass intended for Auburn Tigers wide receiver D
If Ole Miss Rebels cornerback Senquez Golson wasn’t picking off passes at the college level in 2014, he might have been roaming around the outfield for the Boston Red Sox. One of the nation’s leaders in the category of interceptions, including a huge, game-sealing pick in an upset win over Alabama, Golson was drafted by the Red Sox in the 8th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and opted to pursue his college football career instead of a $1.1 million contract offered by Boston.
That’s a tough deal to pass on for a kid coming out of high school, and Golson had to be wondering a year into his college football career what he had done wrong, but he was willing to put in the work.
After struggling through three position coach changes and a lot of trouble understanding the defensive concepts, Golson dedicated himself to eating right, the weight room, and getting better, and now he says he can see plays before they happen.
The 5-foot-9, 176 pound cornerback is not exactly the ideal size for the NFL, especially with a trend toward big, long, athletic cornerbacks, but he’s proving that he belongs with the big boys with his speed, quickness, and athletic ability. He’s also helping Ole Miss to one of its most memorable seasons in recent years and is watching his draft stock soar by the game.
The senior currently trails only Louisville’s Gerod Holliman (10 interceptions) with nine interceptions of his own this year, picking off passes and making big plays for the Rebels’ defense.
Scouts are taking notice of the impact he’s making on the field this season, and his stock has risen to the point that it’s possible he could be a lock for a day two pick at this point. That, and a return to the baseball field is not out of question. While things were looking a little unclear in the early stages of his college career, Golson may now have too many options, and have a really tough decision to make in the not-too-distant future.