He isn’t the biggest linebacker on the team. He isn’t the most athletic linebacker on the team. He’s also not the strongest linebacker on the team.
But, none of that matters to Oregon’s redshirt sophomore Ivan Faulhaber, a second-string outside linebacker.
Faulhaber considers himself one of the Ducks’ most knowledgeable linebackers; and, because of those football smarts, he’s gone from former walk-on to a name on the depth chart in three years.
“I know I’m not the biggest or the fastest,but that just means that I have to work harder in other areas and make sure I’m more prepared mentally than others,” Faulhaber said. “I think the guys on the team know that about me and respect that because I’ve worked so hard to understand all the concepts about us and our opponents.”
While redshirting during his freshman year in 2013, Faulhaber was one of the most consistent scout team players throughout the season. It was in those practices that Oregon coaches began to take notice of the ever-improving local kid from Sheldon High School in Eugene.
In 2014, Faulhaber still saw most of his time on the scout team since he didn’t make the Ducks’ travel squad. The only playing action he got was in four games last year, most prominently in the final snaps of Oregon’s 59-20 Rose Bowl win over Florida State. Though, he failed to register a tackle all year.
Faulhaber continued his upward trajectory, however, during last year’s spring game. He totaled four tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack.
“The spring game was big for me last year because it was when I felt the most comfortable playing,” Faulhaber said. “I was able to put everything I’ve worked on together; and, from there, I’ve just continued to work harder to get better and help the team.”
Now, the time has come where Faulhaber’s story is more than being about the local kid who walked on to Oregon’s team. Where typical stories end with the athlete just making the team, Faulhaber is past that point and now making a difference for the Ducks. Yet, he doesn’t forget where he comes from or the extra pressure he feels.
“It’s different now because, at first, I never felt any pressure to succeed. A lot of people didn’t expect me to be where I’m at now. I’m not going to lie; part of me always wanted it and was always going to work for it, but I wasn’t ever sure the time would come,” Faulhaber said. “Now that I’m traveling and helping make a difference, there is a bit more pressure to be successful for my school (Sheldon) and my town as the local kid.”
Faulhaber will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Ducks after this year. Given how the first three have gone, Faulhaber’s plan to continue contributing in whichever he can could lead to big things for him and the Ducks.
Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter: @Ryan_Kostecka