A Healthy Popo Aumave Will be Crucial to Oregon's Revamped Pass Rush in 2023

Oregon's defense struggled to generate a pass rush in 2022. That must change if the Ducks want to contend for a Pac-12 title.

It's no secret that Oregon's defense struggled to get after the quarterback in 2022. 

Game after game the opposing quarterback either had ample time to throw, or would extend plays outside the pocket, leading to sustained drives and ultimately more points on the board.

The absence of a consistent pass rush surely wasn't for a lack of talent. The Ducks had an NFL Draft pick in outside linebacker DJ Johnson and an experienced veteran working across from him in Mase Funa. 

Part of the problem was a majority of that pressure coming from the edges. Heading into the 2023 season, Dan Lanning and Tony Tuioti have a wealth of experience to work with along the interior of the defensive line. 

One of the more valuable pieces will surely be senior defensive tackle Popo Aumavae, a first-team AP All-Conference selection in 2021.

Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Popo Aumavae against the California Golden Bears in 2021 :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Aumavae returns for his fifth season with the Ducks after missing all of 2022 with a foot injury. Now around the midway mark in fall camp, it sounds like he hasn't missed a step and is ready to cause some havoc.

"He's a really good pass rusher and he gives me a lot of trouble," new offensive lineman Nishad Strother said of Aumavae on Wednesday.

Listed at 6'3" and 315 pounds on Oregon's updated roster, the defensive lineman's blend of size, power and athleticism should make him a pest for opposing offensive lines.

"He's a special creature," Strother continued. "To be able to move the way he does at his size, it's something I've never seen before. It's definitely special."

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All signs point to Aumavae being back at 100% with the Ducks in fall camp. He might even have a little bit of pent up energy after being forced to watch the team from the sideline.

"I feel great. I'm just ready to go," the senior said at the team's media day in July. "Got a lot built up, just ready to strike somebody."

During his last healthy season in 2021, the Stockton, California native racked up 36 total tackles and three tackles for loss. 

Assuming he can return to form this year, he'll generate significant knock back at the line of scrimmage and pressure from the interior. To do so he'll work in tandem with a veteran-heavy group that also features Brandon Dorlus, Casey Rogers and Keyon Ware-Hudson.

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