The Oregon Ducks’ defense has had a decidedly less controversial offseason than its offensive counterpart after losing two secondary players to the NFL Draft, two defensive linemen to graduation and a top reserve linebacker to a full-season suspension for DUI.
Until Monday.
A brief firestorm ensued amid reports of an increased reliance on the 3-4 defensive front. Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti is traditionally reliant upon a 4-3 base front, though Oregon switches looks often, and the Ducks’ linebacking corps looks strong on paper.
At today’s media day, head coach Chip Kelly immediately put the kibosh on any 3-4 discussion.
“The 3-4 is the second greatest mystery behind Sasquatch in Eugene,” Kelly said. “If new means in the last 16 months, then yes.”
So much for that.
Of course, the Oregon defense was fourth in the Pacific-10 Conference in scoring defense and total defense, keeping the Ducks in many of their games last season. The Ducks return eight starters on defense, which brings stability. Stability brings greater expectations – and worries of complacency.
“We all worked real hard (this off-season) because we were still hungry,” junior defensive end Terrell Turner said. “The team chemistry is there, so it was just fun. The whole summer was just real fun. Everyone was coming in focused; we’re still focused.”
Turner is the prohibitive favorite to replace the graduated Will Tukuafu opposite Kenny Rowe, whose 11.5 sacks led the Pac-10 last season. Senior Zac Clark will slide over from end to tackle, joining Brandon Bair on the first-string.
“The D-line, we’re looking to have a lot of fun but take care of business like always,” said Turner, who had 21 tackles and three sacks last season. “I feel that our O-line is going to be tired of us real quick. We just have too much energy. Our offensive line is, I feel, the greatest in the country. We just want to be greater than them.”
The linebacking corps remains the strength of the defense; middle linebacker Casey Matthews and weakside linebacker Spencer Paysinger will be joined by either junior Josh Kaddu or senior Bryson Littlejohn at the strongside position.
“The competition at SAM linebacker will really be a competition to watch,” Kelly said.
Kaddu and Littlejohn will bring experience to the table, something sorely lacking at one cornerback spot. A flock of Ducks are competing for the starting spot opposite senior Talmadge Jackson III, led by true freshman Terrance Mitchell and redshirt freshman Avery Patterson.
Additionally, junior Eddie Pleasant is continuing his transition from outside linebacker to the rover position, where he will replace T.J. Ward. Pleasant’s hard hits and developing coverage skills in spring practice bode well for the secondary.
“He’s a tremendous player,” said safety John Boyett, the Ducks’ leading tackler in 2009. “It’s going to be great playing next to him.”
Practice begins in earnest today, and the Oregon defense is excited about making some noise.
“It’s about time. We’ve been working so hard during the summer for this,” Brandon Bair said. “The time is now. We get to put in all that we prepared for.”
[email protected]