For Oregon to Achieve Its Natty Dreams, This Position Group Has to Improve the Most

This week Duck defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi addressed the media after practice, leading right out with the challenge he's given his unit.

Lupoi said, "We want to be a relentless defense. When you turn on the film, being a relentless defense, attacking the ball, and playing for something much bigger than yourself. That's what we want to accomplish out there. You'll see a cohesive brotherhood that plays at an extremely relentless level and is attacking the ball."

Oregon's defense wasn't bad in 2023. The 12-2 Ducks finished 9th in scoring defense at 16.5 points per game, 22nd in total defense allowing 318.4 yards per game, 20th in yards per play at 4.99. They held 6 opponents to a touchdown or less, won three other games 55-10 (Hawaii,) 63-19 (Cal) and 49-13 (Arizona State.)

Those aren't bad numbers but in their two losses to Washington, the Ducks couldn't get enough stops on third down and in the fourth quarter. To be truly relentless, a defense has to be dominant in the biggest games against the best opponents.

For example, Dan Lanning's 2021 National Champion Georgia defense allowed just 10.2 points a game. They were stifling, shutting out three opponents and not giving up more than 17 points to any team until Alabama scored 24 in the SEC Championship Game, a game the Tide lost 41-24.

At present Oregon is a long way from reaching that level. Lupoi said, "No one here on this defense has arrived. We're not talking about the accomplishments of last season. It's all about moving forward. It's a daily grind mentally and physically. That's what we're trying to do."

To get there, the Ducks need better play from its linebackers . Currently they are good, not great, a unit that makes some plays but rarely shows the ability to dominate and control a game. Last season the Webfoots allowed 113 pass plays of ten yards or more, ranking 79th in the country. There were too many chunk plays. They were 37th in the FBS in third down conversions allowed, 35.8%, 69th in Red Zone Conversions, surrendering points 83% of the time, 55% touchdowns.

Senior Jeffrey Bassa is a 4-year starter in his third year in the Lanning/Lupoi system, the leader and signal caller of the defense. Last season he was second on the team in tackles with 72. He's a converted safety that's grown into the linebacker position, and in his final year the Ducks need more from him, more aggression, more havoc.

The other starter at inside linebacker is senior Jestin Jacobs, the transfer from Iowa. He played in just 8 games for the defense last season, starting five. He has NFL size at 6-4, 245. Injuries limited him last year and as a sophomore with the Hawkeyes, but he's flashed enormous potential, turning in the team's best tackling grade at 90.2, credited with zero missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus.

In this year's early games, watch how these two pursue sideline to sideline, whether they're filling gaps in the running game and dropping into passing lanes. Lupoi needs them to be more active and aggressive, to have a bigger impact and create more disruption. Inside linebackers are the heart of a relentless defense.

The first linebacker off the bench is redshirt sophomore Devon "the Jet" Jackson from Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. Jackson was the Class A Nebraska sprint champion as a prep with a top time of 10.54. He's 6-2, 228. Lupoi said of Jackson, “He had a huge stride and I mentioned that he would be competing to be the most improved on our defense amongst a couple of other guys.”

“One of the things he’s gotten much better at is his communication. That’s essential in our defense. Any guy who can run 23 mph, if you can organize that type of speed, you can be a critical piece to our defense.”

If Jackson does make a leap in his third year of college football, the Ducks have the depth to withstand a long season. He logged 67 snaps on special teams last season; his speed is a huge asset there.

Behind him, Conner Soelle, Jerry Mixon and Bryce Boettcher will all be contributors. Lupoi typically utilizes 28 to 33 players on defense, even more in nonconference play.

Three promising freshmen round out the unit. Kamar Mothudi, Brayden Platt and Dylan Williams were all 4-star players. They'll have an opportunity to make their bones on special teams. All three have the physical maturity and athletic ability to challenge for first year playing time.

A former defensive coordinator and two-time national champion at Alabama who spent three seasons as a defensive line coach in the NFL, Lupoi takes personal responsibility for the growth and development of this unit. Thursday he told reporters, "I think it's our job. We've got to make the chaos turn into clarity for our players, tap into the 7 different ways of learning for an individual, how he learns best."