Oregon has continued to highlight their upperclassmen talent on both sides of the ball. Whether it be Taylor Alie and Ty Griffin at quarterback or Zach Okun on the offensive line, the Ducks have embraced their new wave of youth.
Their hope is to showcase them during the May 2 Spring Game.
“The spring game is kind of different because it’s just different than a scrimmage,” Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum said. “But what we want to see in the spring game is we want to see guys fly around and make plays. The spring game is supposed to be fun.”
Don Pellum has been pleased with the defense. He may not be sure what position Charles Nelson will end up playing when the season actually gets underway, but he is confident that the defense is where they need to be heading into the spring game and summer. Regardless, Pellum, for good reason, would love to keep Nelson on his side of the ball.
Pellum also went a step further at today’s practice, hinting at the possibility that his defense is further along than they were this point last year.
“We are at least on pace with last year, last spring,” Pellum said. “And I think we’re slightly ahead in some areas.”
The Oregon linebackers have been a point of interest this spring. After losing veterans Derrick Malone and Tony Washington, there has been a legitimate question about who will step up in their place. Joe Walker, Christian French, Terrodney Prevot and Tyson Coleman come to mind, and according to Pellum, this linebacker core could be as prepared as anyone heading into next year’s season.
“The best thing we’ve seen out of the linebacking core has been leadership,” Pellum said. “The difference between this year and last year is last year, we weren’t as experienced at the linebacker crew. This year, we’re really experienced with all the seniors and a lot of guys that played, so we’ve been able to advance the defense because of the knowledge, understanding and maturity of the group.”
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim