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Predicting the defensive starters for the Oregon Ducks ahead of spring season
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- Predicting the defensive starters for the Oregon Ducks ahead of spring season
We are just under two months away from the Oregon Ducks' annual Spring Game, which will be hosted inside Autzen Stadium at 1 p.m. PT on Saturday, Apr. 26, and only a few weeks away from practices starting in Eugene.
An exciting season lies ahead for the Ducks , who are looking to build on a historic 2024 season that ended with a frustrating loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. The roster at Oregon will look wildly different in 2025 than it did a year ago, with new faces at nearly every position on the roster. Most notably, former Duck stars like Dillon Gabriel , Jordan James , Terrance Ferguson , Tez Johnson , Josh Conerly, Jordan Burch , and Jeffrey Bassa are all off to the NFL, so Dan Lanning and the Ducks have some big shoes to fill.
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While nothing will be set in stone this spring, we will get a good chance to see where Oregon's roster currently stands and who has set them up to contribute significantly come fall.
How do we see things just a couple of weeks before play begins? That's an important question. With so many open spots on the starting lineup, the depth chart looks a bit muddled as we wait to see who can separate themselves this offseason. For now, though, there's no harm in trying to project where things are at.
Here's our first look at what the defensive depth chart will look like for the Ducks this spring:
Defensive Tackle
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Starter:A'Mauri Washington
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Backup: Tionne Gray
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Other Names to Know:Aydin Breland/ Bear Alexander
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Analysis:A'Mauri Washington showed a ton of improvement this year for the Ducks on the defensive line, and if it weren't for an elite season from Derrick Harmon , he would have seen more action. Look for a breakout year from him in 2025, with redshirt freshman Tionne Gray also announcing his presence.
Nose Tackle
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Bear Alexander (99) celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Starter:Bear Alexander
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Backup: Terrance Green
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Other Names to Know: Jericho Johnson /Tionne Gray
Analysis:With Jamaree Caldwell leaving for the NFL, it will be a new group of nose tackles in Eugene, led by USC transfer Bear Alexander, who is looking to revamp his career with the Ducks. Oregon also has blue-chip players in Terrance Green, Jericho Johnson, and Tionne Gray, who can step into the rotation here.
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Defensive End
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Starter: Matayo Uiagalelei
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Backup:Aydin Breland
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Other Names to Know:Xadavien Sims/Ashton Porter
Analysis:You could argue that Matayo Uiagalelei was among the best players on the team this year as a sophomore, so it's exciting to anticipate what he will be able to do next year with another season of development. Behind him, former 5-star Aydin Breland is waiting for his opportunity to show what he can do.
Jack Linebacker (EDGE)
Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti celebrates a stop as the Oregon State Beavers host the Oregon Ducks Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore.
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Starter:Teitum Tuioti
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Backup:Elijah Rushing
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Other Names to Know:Ashton Porter/Tobi Haastrup
Analysis:Teitum Tuitoti gets unfairly looked past because of Matyo Uiagalelei, but he is an incredibly talented player who will have a significant role on this defense next year. Behind him, former 5-star EDGE Elijah Rushing is ready for a breakout once he gets more opportunities.
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Strong Side Linebacker
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 21: Blake Purchase #17 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a sack against Cameron Ward #1 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Autzen Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Lydia Ely/Getty Images)
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Starter:Blake Purchase
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Backup:Ashton Porter
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Other Names to Know:Matthew Johnson/Nasir Wyatt
Analysis:Depending on the personnel group, Blake Purchase may also trot out for the Ducks at the strong-side position, where he can add a tremendous pass-rushing presence. Ashton Porter is also a high-upside player with much to prove behind him on the depth chart.
MAC Linebacker
Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher brings down Idaho Vandals wide receiver Mark Hamper as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
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Starter: Bryce Boettcher
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Backup:Jerry Mixon
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Other Names to Know:Dylan Williams/Kamar Mothudi
Analysis:With a granted waiver from the NCAA for another year of eligibility, Bryce Boettcher is coming back in 2025 and will provide some much-needed veteran experience at the LB spot. Redshirt sophomore Jerry Mixon has also shown flashes in his limited time, but he's ready to step into a more significant role.
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Money Linebacker
Photo Courtesy of Ethan Landa (Devon Jackson)
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Starter:Devon Jackson
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Backup:Brayden Platt
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Other Names to Know:Kamar Mothudi/Gavin Nix
Analysis:Devon Jackson has steadily progressed each and every year in the program, and he's ready to take on a more significant role now with Jeffrey Bassa graduating. Behind him, Brayden Platt was a highly-rated recruit with a ton of upside and is just waiting for his opportunity.
Boundary Cornerback
Northwestern's Theran Johnson (10) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) during the first quarter of their game Saturday October 19, 2024 at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois.
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Starter:Theran Johnson
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Backup:Ify Obidegwu
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Other Names to Know:Sione Laulea/Dakoda Fields/Brandon Finney
Analysis:The Ducks brought Theran Johnson from the transfer portal to take over as one of their starting cornerbacks, and the former second-team Big Ten player should fill the spot well. Behind him are a ton of underclassmen CBs who were highly-rated recruits that could step up, but I tabbed Ify Obidegwu to take the CB2 spot.
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Field Cornerback
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Starter:Jahlil Florence
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Backup:Sione Laulea
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Other Names to Know:Rodrick Pleasant/Dorian Brew/Brandon Finney
Analysis:Jahlil Florence is healthy and said he is returning for the 2025 season with the Ducks. He is projected to be one of the best players on defense, taking over as the lockdown corner on the field side. I'm also excited to see what Sione Laulea can bring to the table as the former No. 1 ranked JUCO player in the nation who has flashed when given the opportunity.
Boundary Safety
Nov 30, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (5) runs the ball while Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) defends in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Starter: Dillon Thieneman
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Backup:Aaron Flowers
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Other Names to Know:Kingston Lopa
Analysis:Oregon's most significant transfer portal addition this year was adding Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman , the No. 1 safety in the portal and someone who has been generating a ton of early NFL draft buzz as a sophomore. There's a chance that Thieneman will announce himself as the best player on defense next year, but behind him, Oregon also has a ton of promise in Aaron Flowers and Kingston Lopa.
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Field Safety
Oregon defensive back Peyton Woodyard works out during practice with the Ducks Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore.
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Starter:Peyton Woodyard
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Backup:Kingston Lopa
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Other Names to Know:Trey McNutt
Analysis:I could see either Peyton Woodyard or Kinston Lopa taking over as the starter here, but for the time being, I am going to go with Woodyard, knowing that a true position battle is set to take place. I also want to see what 5-star freshman Trey McNutt can bring this spring.
STAR/Nickel
Oregon defensive back Daylen Austin during practice with the Oregon Ducks Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Eugene, Ore.
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Starter:Daylen Austin
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Backup:Jadon Canady
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Other Names to Know:Sione Laulea/Na'eem Offord/
Analysis:With Brandon Johnson graduating, I expect Daylen Austin to step into the nickel/star position and provide excellent coverage and run support. It will be a tough job to win since Oregon also brought in Ole Miss transfer Jadon Canady through the portal.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks predicted defensive depth chart for spring season
