Oregon’s 2017 defensive line has a high level of uncertainty as the Ducks just hope for stability.
The 2016 season was a rough one for the defensive line. By the end of the year, the Ducks had a hard time filling out a starting lineup. Before the season started Torrodney Prevot was suspended and missed the year. Prevot was later suspended for two years by the University.
Ratu Mafileo and Canton Kaumatule also had to retire for medical reasons during the season.
November wasn’t a good month for the defensive line off the field either. Eddie Heard was suspended for the rest of the season after being arrested for assault and harassment. He was then dismissed in the offseason. Austin Maloata was arrested for a DUII and reckless driving. He was immediately dismissed.
Heading into 2017, the defensive line will be anchored by senior Henry Mondeaux and junior Jalen Jelks at the ends position. Being experienced members of the defensive line helps with the leadership as they will play under their third defensive coordinator in three years.
One of the changes implemented in the spring was that coaches put together a daily depth chart. Important for a unit where no starter is set in stone.
“It gives you an understanding of where you need to work at,”Jelks said. “If you’re lacking one day, they definitely tell you, so I think that’s a big improvement.”
The defensive line will also be boosted by graduate transfer Scott Pagano who spent three years in a backup role with the Clemson Tigers, the 2017 National Champions. Pagano earned a share of Clemson’s defensive 12th-man award for his 31 tackles and two sacks.
True freshman Jordan Scott, at 350-pounds, could make an immediate impact at the nose tackle position. He ranked as the 117th best prospect in the state of Florida by 247Sports.com.
Like many of the position units this year, the success of the team may depend on finding stability on the defensive line to help improve a defense that finished 116 in the country in total defense.
Projected Depth Chart:
DE: Henry Mondeaux, Sr., Scott Pagano, Sr., Justin Hollins, Jr., Jordan Kurahara, Jr.
NT: Jordon Scott, Fr., Gary Baker, So., Austin Faoliu, Fr.
DE: Jalen Jelks, Jr., Drayton Carlberg, So., Hunter Kampmoyer, R-Fr.
Follow Zak Laster on Twitter: @zlast3445
D-Line Preview: Ducks hope for stability after a turbulent 2016 season
July 26, 2017
Oregon’s 2017 defensive line has a high level of uncertainty as the Ducks just hope for stability. The 2016 season was a rough one for the defensive line. By the end of the year, the Ducks had a hard time filling out a starting lineup. Before the season started Torrodney …
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