Patrick Who??

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After guiding the Rebels to their first Southeastern Conference win of the 2006 season with his dominating performance, Ole Miss junior linebacker Rory Johnson was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, the conference office announced.

Making just his second career start, Johnson was all over the field collecting 16 tackles, including nine solos. The 16 tackles are the most by a Rebel defender since Broc Kreitz recorded 16 versus Georgia in 1996.

In addition, Johnson forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles and also recorded a pass defensed in the win. He haulted a late Vandy drive by taking the ball out of Commodore QB Mackenzi Adams hands and giving the ball back to Ole Miss.

Johnson is the second Ole Miss player to be honored by the SEC this season. Freshman wide receiver Dexter McCluster was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Sept. 4, following Ole Miss’ win over Memphis.

Ole Miss will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., Oct. 14 to take on Alabama. The Rebels and Crimson Tide will tangle at 2:30 p.m. CT at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the game will be televised by CBS.