When the clock hit zero in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28, 2022, the Oregon Ducks football team had closed the yearbook on the 2022 season, and opened a new one for 2023.
By this time, the Ducks had signed 27 prep recruits in their No. 8 ranked recruiting class and had begun looking at the transfer portal to get the athletes needed to fill their roster holes.
The 2022 team struggled to create a constant pass rush as they only secured 18 sacks, which made the defensive backfield cover for what felt like an eternity. They also saw their linebacking unit struggle in coverage.
As a whole, Oregon’s defense ranked outside of the FBS’ top-50 rankings. This doesn’t come as a surprise with the staff overhaul last year, however due to the pedigree of the defensive coaches there should be vast improvement this season and beyond.
While their offense was a bright spot in 2022, they often failed to get off the field with their 46% third down conversion rates. When they elected not to go for it on fourth down — which didn’t happen often — they punted for modest numbers, a mere 35.3 average.
Here’s how head coach Dan Lanning and staff have addressed these needs thus far (all colleges listed are players’ previous schools):
South Carolina Edge Rusher – Jordan Burch
The former 5-star defensive lineman was a huge — literally and figuratively— addition for the Ducks program this offseason. Burch enrolled at Oregon for the winter quarter as he looks to dominate the trenches with returning starters Brandon Dorlus, Casey Rogers and Popo Aumavae, who returns from injury. In 34 games, he posted 105 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass deflections and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
Mississippi Safety – Tysheem Johnson
In 25 games for the Ole Miss Rebels, Johnson displayed a knack to find the football, as he secured 125 tackles — eight for a loss — four pass deflections, an interception and a sack. With Johnson enrolling this spring, he brings a wealth of high-level experience after playing in the SEC. Look for him to secure one of the safety spots along with veterans Bryan Addison, Steve Stephens and newcomer Evan Williams.
Fresno State Safety – Evan Williams
If that last name looks familiar, you don’t have to look too far into the Ducks’ archives to find his older brother Bennett’s highlights. The younger Williams posted 226 tackles, 12 pass deflections, four interceptions and forced fumbles in 33 career contests. The graduate transfer should be a major contributor in the secondary this fall. Duck fans witnessed his nose for the ball in his 10 tackles and one pass deflection performance in his 2020 matchup versus Oregon.
Iowa Linebacker – Jestin Jacobs
Jacobs’ arrival to Eugene was a pleasant surprise after he shockingly entered the portal on Dec. 5, 2022. His departure was a big blow to the Hawkeye program, after his promising 53 tackles, two pass deflections, one interception and a forced fumble in his redshirt freshman season. He was on the 2022 Butkus Award preseason watch list before suffering a season-ending injury versus Rutgers. Look for Jacobs to prove his Butkus worth and perhaps deem himself worthy of an early round draft selection in 2024.
Alabama Cornerback – Khyree Jackson
Jackson fits the part physically with his 6-feet-3, 197 pound frame. In minimal action for the Crimson Tide, Jackson contributed 14 tackles, two pass deflections and a sack. With Christian Gonzalez off to the NFL and Jalil Tucker in the transfer portal, look for Jackson to make a positive impact on the Ducks’ 2023 secondary as he competes with the likes of Dontae Manning, Jahlil Florence and Trikweze Bridges.
Troy Wide Receiver – Tez Johnson
In 2022, Johnson earned All-Sun Belt honors and was graded as the best group of five wide receivers by Pro Football Focus with his 874 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. The speedy slot receiver will add the ability to take the top off of a defense, as he gets reacquainted with his high school quarterback. Johnson is a native of Pinson, AL, like quarterback Bo Nix, his adopted brother.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. The reality is the base of our roster is our roster right now. We’ll certainly look to make additions if it fits… our culture and our scheme,” Lanning said. “We’re going to try to make our team better given the opportunity, but we also feel really good about the guys we have here right now.”
It is evident that Lanning has his eyes on prototypical athletes for his system and is always looking to improve in the ever changing landscape of modern college football.
Moving forward the Ducks could add to their special teams and tight end room, with there being three scholarship tight ends available this spring.
Tune into the 2023 Spring Game on April 29 where former Duck legends Marcus Mariota and Jevon Holland will be honorary coaches of the new-look Ducks. More importantly, several of Oregon’s 40 new scholarship recipients will be able to showcase their talents for the Autzen faithful.
