- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 1 week, 3 days ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Sharif Denson: A Difference-Maker Joining Pete Golding’s Ole Miss Secondary
Ole Miss football has quietly signaled that its defensive overhaul is well underway, and the commitment of Florida transfer defensive back Sharif Denson only cements that message. A talented, physical corner with SEC experience, Denson has chosen to continue his collegiate career under Pete Golding in Oxford, a move that speaks directly to the new regime’s intent to reshape the Rebels’ defensive identity.
Denson, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back from Jacksonville, Florida, emerged from Bartram Trail High School as one of the nation’s top secondary prospects. Rated as a four-star recruit and ranked among the top cornerbacks in the country by multiple services, he earned invitations to elite all-star games and collected All-First Coast honors before arriving in Gainesville.
On the collegiate stage at Florida, Denson steadily developed into a reliable member of the Gators’ secondary. Through the 2025 season he has tallied over 50 tackles, contributed a tackle for loss and pass breakups while showcasing his physical tackling ability. Though not always reflected in gaudy interception totals, his instincts in run support and man coverage make him a versatile piece in any defensive backfield.
Off the field, Denson’s work ethic and football IQ have been recognized as well, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll distinctions and praise from coaches for his preparation and competitiveness. For Ole Miss, adding a player with on-field experience against top-tier competition from Georgia to Tennessee brings a seasoned experience and a salty attitude to the Rebels secondary unit.
Pete Golding’s arrival as head coach in Oxford has already ushered in a noticeable emphasis on defensive reinvention. Golding has actively pursued talent in the transfer portal, bolstering his roster with proven defenders such as Jay Crawford of Auburn, Jonathan Maldonado of Nevada, and Keaton Thomas of Baylor. Denson represents another high-upside addition to that strategy. Ole Miss has snagged impact players from rival SEC schools and beyond, underscoring Golding’s commitment to reshaping the defense for both immediate and long-term success.
Sharif Denson’s decision to follow Pete Golding to Oxford is the kind of move that signals momentum. Ole Miss isn’t patching holes anymore, it’s stacking proven SEC pieces. Denson brings toughness, experience, and a competitive edge forged against the best offenses in the country, and under Golding’s direction, his best football is still ahead of him. This is what a defensive reset looks like: The Rebels are building a secondary that expects to compete in next years college football playoff and Sharif Denson is now part of that core.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.