An Early Look at Oregon Football's Recruiting Needs in 2024: Defense

Oregon signed a number of highly-touted recruits on defense in 2023 but there's still work to be done.

Max Torres | Mar 1, 2023

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Oregon Ducks

The dead period is finally over as we enter March, which means recruits will be flocking to Eugene this weekend for visits.

Yesterday we examined the offensive needs for the Oregon Ducks in the 2024 class, and today we're breaking it down on defense. Keep in mind again that when writing this, I'm projecting what the team will look like after next season.

Defensive Line

The Ducks return a wealth of experience for 2023, featuring Brandon Dorlus, Popo Aumavae, Casey Rogers, Keyon Ware-Hudson and Taki Taimani. There's a good chance all of them could be gone after next year, but maybe KWH runs it back in 2024.

Terrance Green, Tevita Pome'e, A'mauri Washington, Johnny Bowens and My'Keil Gardner all join from the 2023 recruiting cycle. I think at least of few of them will see the field this season, in what capacity remains to be seen. The best way to sum up this group is that it's got great depth for next year, but 2024 is a big question mark since most of the proven production will depart.

That said, even with a lot of veterans last year this group fell short of the standard it needed to meet, which means it still needs more depth and difference makers.

Need: High

Edge Rusher

It's a similar story at the edge spot for the Ducks. Lanning and co. signed five edge rushers last cycle including Matayo Uiagalelei, Jaeden Moore and Teitum Tuioti. That trio is already on campus and will be joined by Ashton Porter and Blake Purchase.

South Carolina transfer Jordan Burch and Mase Funa look to make some noise with DJ Johnson headed to the NFL Draft, but we don't know if Burch will stick around Eugene past 2023. He's a former high-profile recruit and physical freak, maybe he just needs one season to develop into an NFL prospect after spending some time in the SEC.

If both he and Funa depart, that leaves the Ducks again will little proven depth. Anthony Jones and Emar'rion Winston both redshirted, which could leave the room young and inexperienced in 2024. I'm confident two, if not more of the 2023 signees will play a lot of football next season, but given how lackluster the pass rush has been the position still needs some work.

Need: High

Linebacker

Linebacker saw a lot of movement this offseason with transfers and most notably the departure of Noah Sewell. Jeffrey Bassa and Keith Brown return from 2022 and will be joined by transfers Jestin Jacobs and Connor Soelle.

Devon Jackson and Harrison Taggart could be key pieces in 2023 after not playing much as true freshmen. Jerry Mixon is the only true linebacker Oregon signed from the prep level, which makes this group pretty light. It feels like there's more of a numbers need than a talent need.

Maybe it depends on if this group can improve in pass coverage after looking lost for much of 2022, but it needs some depth.

Need: Medium

Cornerback

The cornerbacks faced a lot of criticism in 2022. Some of it was warranted, and some of it was due to the lack of a pass rush. Ideally you have both--good coverage and a pass rush.

Christian Gonzalez heads to the NFL Draft, leaving players like Trikweze Bridges, Dontae Manning and Jahlil Florence with high expectations in 2023. Oregon signed five prep cornerbacks with the likes of Daylen Austin and Rodrick Pleasant leading the way. They also bring in Khyree Jackson from Alabama, but it looks like he only has one year of eligibility remaining.

The Ducks also signed Jahlil Tucker in 2022, which means the numbers are there with this group, so the production in 2023 may dictate the need.

Need: Medium to High

Safety

Oregon returns a number of talented and experienced safeties like Bryan Addison, Jamal Hill, Steve Stephens IV and JJ Greenfield from a season ago. They also added Evan Williams and Tysheem Johnson from the portal and both should see a lot of snaps.

Williams should be a one-year guy and Johnson would have the option to return in 2024. Don't forget the Ducks have Daymon David and Trejon Williams who could compete for larger roles. Kodi DeCambra and Tyler Turner join from the 2023 class.

The thought here is that Oregon will lose a lot of production like they will along the defensive line, so this should be a larger need for 2024.

Need: High

SIGNEE SPOTLIGHT: 2023 Oregon EDGE Blake Purchase

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Published Mar 1, 2023

MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.