Ashanti Cistrunk was grateful for the journey that brought him to Ole Miss as he wants to close out the 2023 campaign with a New Year’s 6 Bowl win.

Cistrunk has finished in the top 5 in total tackles over the last 2 seasons and is a very valuable piece of the Ole Miss defense. Ole Miss has changed Cistrunk for the better and he noted how much of an impact the program has had on him over the years.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Cistrunk at the Peach Bowl press conference on Tuesday. “I grew as a person and learned a lot about myself, personally. It’s been an amazing ride, and I can’t wait to top it off with this win.”

The Ole Miss player also commented on the opt out of fellow defender Cedric Johnson. Cistrunk noted how happy the team was for Johnson, but that the focus is on the Peach Bowl.

“We haven’t really talked about it. We respect Ced’s decision as he wants to prepare for the NFL Draft,” said Cistrunk. “He also got the Senior Bowl invite and we congratulate him. We’re just going to practice and not thinking about any of that.”

Cistrunk has 68 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception heading into Saturday’s action.