Rebel Cornerback Coleman Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI/Ole Miss Athletics) – After helping Ole Miss to a 41-3 win over Vanderbilt, senior cornerback Cliff Coleman has been named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, it was revealed on the SEC Network Monday evening.

(OleMissSports.com)
Cliff Coleman

Coleman’s 39-yard interception return for a touchdown to start the third quarter was a defining moment in the Rebels’ tremendous defensive effort to start conference play Saturday.

It was Coleman’s first career interception and first career touchdown and was the Rebels’ first pick-six since 2011.

Ole Miss allowed just three points, the fewest by any opponent since Tulane in 2012 (0) and the fewest by an SEC foe since Mississippi State in 2008 (0). Vanderbilt’s 60 passing yards was the lowest opponent total since Louisiana-Monroe in 2008 (59).

The interception marked the Rebels’ fifth of the season, which leads the SEC and ranks second nationally.

This is the first SEC weekly honor for Coleman, a native of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, who is in his fourth year in the program as a reserve defensive back.

The 14th-ranked Rebels (2-0) host Louisiana-Lafayette (1-1) in their home opener this Saturday at 3 p.m. CT, televised by the SEC Network.