How Ducks' defensive depth chart prediction changed after spring game
How does our prediction of the Oregon Ducks' depth chart change after what we saw in the spring game? Here's a look at the defense.
The spring football season has come and gone for the Oregon Ducks, and it ended with a largely entertaining spring game last weekend, which the Combat Ducks won over the Fighting Ducks, 17-10, thanks to a walkoff touchdown from Dakorien Moore. While the final score is largely insignificant, the spring game did give us a good look at the new iteration of the roster in Eugene, highlighting the play from a bunch of young talent and several veteran players fighting for snaps. So, what did we learn when all was said and done?
While it is too early to write a depth chart in pen, I think we can get a general sense of who will play where and which players will have the biggest roles. Going into the spring game, we predicted what the depth chart would look like, and after seeing four quarters of action, here's how our opinions have changed: Nose Tackle Starter: Bear Alexander Backup: Matthew Johnson Other Names to Know: Aydin Breland / Jerome Simmons Changes Post Spring Game: Move Adyin Breland Up Analysis: Nothing changed at the top for me at the nose tackle spot, but I did move Aydin Breland up over Jerome Simmons. Breland looked fantastic in the spring game, and I think they're going to get him on the field as much as possible.
Defensive Tackle Starter: A'Mauri Washington Backup: D'Antre Robinson Other Names to Know: Matt Johnson / Aydin Breland Changes Post Spring Game: None Analysis: I debated moving either Aydin Breland or Matt Johnson up over D'Antre Robinson, but it's tough to do. I think all three of these guys behind A'Mauri Washington are very good and will see a lot of the field. Defensive End Starter: Matayo Uiagalelei Backup: Elijah Rushing Other Names to Know: Tank Jones / Prince Tavizon Changes Post Spring Game: None Analysis: I think this is what we expected to see at the spring game, with all of these guys looking very solid.
I think that Matayo Uiagalelei will undoubtedly be the guy, but look for Rushing to have a major impact behind him. Jack Linebacker Starter: Teitum Tuioti Backup: Nasir Wyatt Other Names to Know: Tank Jones Changes Post Spring Game: None Analysis: Again, nothing changes at this spot for me after the spring game. Teitum Tuioti didn't play in the game, but that doesn't change anything as far as his starting spot on the defense.
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