Projecting Oregon's Defensive Depth Chart in Final Week of Fall Camp

Can Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi make a sizable jump from year one to year two?

Oregon's defense was a mixed bag in 2022. 

The Ducks had a solid run defense overall, but struggled to get after the quarterback and couldn't consistently force takeaways.

Heading into the 2023 season they've reloaded and overhauled a lot of spots on their defense, which should lead to a much improved unit. 

With some moving parts, here's my best projection at how the depth chart will shake out for Tosh Lupoi and Dan Lanning.

Defensive Line 

Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus against the Stanford Cardinal :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Starters: Brandon Dorlus (DE) Popo Aumavae (DT), Casey Rogers (DT)

Backups: Taki Taimani, Keyon Ware-Hudson, Ben Roberts

Depth: Terrance Green, Tevita Pome'e

Analysis: Here I'm focusing primarily on the interior of the defensive line. Dorlus is listed here as a defensive end, but he's so versatile he can move all over the line. There's not really any surprises here, but Aumavae's return can't be overlooked, as he was one of the best players on the defense in 2021 when he was healthy. 

Linebackers

Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa against the BYU Cougars :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Starters: Jordan Burch (OLB), Mase Funa (OLB), Jestin Jacobs (ILB), Jeffrey Bassa (ILB)

Backups: Jamal Hill (ILB), Connor Soelle (ILB), Devon Jackson (ILB), Matayo Uiagalelei (OLB) Teitum Tuioti (OLB

Depth: Blake Purchase (OLB), Jaeden Moore (OLB), Bryce Boettcher (ILB), Jerry Mixon (ILB)

Analysis: I listed Burch, Funa and Uiagalelei with the linebackers here because they fall under that outside linebacker/edge distinction in Oregon's 4-2-5 scheme.

I think Uiagalelei will see the field a lot as a true freshman, but I'd expect the staff to role with Funa at least to start, seeing that he's got far more experience. Blake Purchase is a name that's been brought up a lot recently, but I'd give the true freshman edge to Teitum Tuioti right now because he enrolled early and brings elite technique to the table. 

On the inside, Jacobs and Bassa seem like safe bets to start this year, but the depth behind them is a lot more murky. I think Hill and Soelle are probably at or near the same level, and Jackson is looking for a chance to be let loose to show what he can do. Until then, he's a question mark.

Cornerbacks 

Oregon Ducks cornerback Jahlil Florence before facing the Stanford Cardinal :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Starters: Nikko Reed, Khyree Jackson

Backups: Jahlil Florence, Trikweze Bridges, Dontae Manning, Cole Martin,

Depth: Daylen Austin, Collin Gill, Rodrick Pleasant, Solomon Davis

Analysis: Oregon's cornerback room is probably one of the biggest question marks on the team right now. Transfers Nikko Reed and Khyree Jackson should see plenty of action with Reed's familiarity with Demetrice Martin and Jackson's length and experience.

Aside from those two, Manning and Bridges have played a lot of ball, but aren't at a level where they have to be on the field. I think they'll see plenty of snaps and Florence will push them for some playing time after showing flashes as a true freshman. If I had to choose a true freshman to get involved it would be Martin because he was the only early enrollee, meaning he probably has the best grasp of the playbook and has adjusted to the college level.

Safeties

Oregon Ducks safety Bryan Addison against the Washington Huskies :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Starters: Bryan Addison, Evan Williams, Tysheem Johnson (STAR), Niko Reed (STAR)

Backups: Steve Stephens IV, Tyler Turner, Cole Martin (STAR)

Depth: Kodi DeCambra

Analysis: This group is another one that's a bit of an unknown for me. Stephens and Addison have both been around Oregon for a while, but I'm giving the edge to Addison for his size and playmaking upside. 

I expect both Johnson and Williams to play big roles in this year's defense coming in from the portal, with Reed also working in at STAR in addition to his role at cornerback. 

I think Martin also gets some run at the position after spending some time at safety during his senior season at Basha. He's a fast, twitchy and versatile player that should have an impact in some way this year.

Kicker

Oregon Ducks kicker Camden Lewis lines up against the UCLA Bruins :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Starter: Camden Lewis

Backup: Andrew Boyle

Analysis: Not a lot to add here. Lewis has been solid and should remain the starter as long as he's consistent. 

Punter

Starter: Luke Dunne

Backups: Matt Rigney, Ross James

Analysis: I'll admit I don't have a great grasp on the punting unit, but it can only improve after a poor season in 2022. Dunne has received some good buzz in fall camp so I'll roll with him. 

The Ducks also added Rigney and James, which proves their dedicated to improving in 2023.

Kick Return

Oregon Ducks running back Noah Whittington celebrates a touchdown against the Washington Huskies :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Starters: Bucky Irving, Noah Whittington

Backups: Gary Bryant Jr., Kris Hutson

Analysis: Whittington is one of the fastest players on the team and the running back duo has some experience fielding kicks in the past. Let them loose. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rodrick Pleasant or Micah Williams enter the mix here with their high-end speed.

Punt Return

Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. stiff arms a defender against the Utah Utes / © Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Gary Bryant Jr.

Backup: Tez Johnson

Analysis: I said Bryant was a luxury addition when he committed to the Ducks and I think punt return is where he'll be able to find the field the quickest. The wide receiver room is incredibly deep and he's proven he can add value as a returner.

READ MORE: Projecting Oregon's offensive depth chart in final week of fall camp