Elston, Haynes Named SEC Defensive Players of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WCBI/Ole Miss Athletics) – On the heels of a dominating defensive performance in the Rebels’ 23-3 win over No. 15 Texas A&M, a pair of Ole Miss defensive standouts have garnered weekly honors from the Southeastern Conference office.

Senior safety Trae Elston was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, and sophomore defensive end Marquis Haynes was tabbed SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week.

(Lauren Wood/Daily Journal)

Elston totaled a career-high five pass breakups and also notched three tackles with a TFL. The Oxford, Alabama, native helped limit the Aggies to no touchdowns and just 192 total yards, fewest by a Rebel opponent this year and the Aggies’ lowest yardage total of the season.

The Rebel defense had three takeaways in the game and now has 16 on the year. Elston now leads all SEC players and ranks 11th nationally with 11 passes defended.

Haynes put together a monster performance with 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. His constant pressure in the Aggie backfield helped limited A&M to no points and only 66 total yards in the second half (44 passing, 22 rushing). The Jacksonville, Florida, native leads the team and ranks sixth in the SEC with 5.5 sacks. He also shares the team lead with 8.0 TFLs on the year.

Texas A&M, which entered the contest averaging 36.5 points and 453 yards per game, failed to reach the red zone against the Landshark Defense.