Oregon’s most underrated defensive star is helping carry Ducks towards a Big Ten Championship

If edge rushers are the Ferraris of a defensive line, then defensive tackles are thought of as an SUV. But guess what? That SUV is plenty capable of its own badassery.

If Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is an SUV, then he's a suped-up Jeep with oversized tires that doesn't get slowed down by anything. Capable of going up, over, around, or through any obstacle, Harmon is unfazed and unbothered by what stands before him.

A defensive line with a guy like this in the middle is a dangerous, dangerous sight.

Jordan Burch and Matayo Uiagalelei get a lot of love for what they bring in the pass rush department, and rightly so. Burch, in particular, is in the middle of a massive breakout season that unfortunately took a pause for the Ohio State game due to injury.

But on the defensive line, it's Harmon that's leading the charge somewhat under the radar. Through six games, Harmon, from the defensive tackle spot, leads the team in pressures (28), hurries (23), is tied for the most batted passes (2), and has registered three sacks.

He's a three tech defensive tackle that is wreaking havoc on the interior of opposing offensive lines, collapsing the pocket and making life difficult on quarterbacks. Against Ohio State, Harmon made his presence felt, registering three tackles, a quarterback hit, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

That forced fumble/fumble recovery wasn't your typical fumble. Shedding a blocker and getting to the ball carrier, Harmon quite literally ripped the ball out of the hands of Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, who stands 6'0" 219 lbs.

Harmon is a warrior. Not only is he one of the leaders of the team in pass rush, but he is the Ducks' highest graded run defender according to PFF. Harmon likely introduced himself to a bunch of football fans and people in the NFL Draft circle as a disruptive 3T defensive tackle that likely has a future on Sundays.

As the Ducks continue their quest towards a Big Ten Championship and their pursuit of a National Championship, Harmon will be at the center of it all, literally and metaphorically.

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