Oregon Safeties On Lockdown with New Coach Matt Powledge

When Dan Lanning was formally introduced as Oregon’s new head coach on Dec. 11, 2021, he wasted no time assembling an elite and numerous teaching employees.

Junior Adams and Demetrice Martin stolen away from Pac-12 rivals. Tosh Lupoi and Adrian Klemm left NFL organizations to hitch the Geese. And each place coach has expertise galore. 

Coach Matt Powledge

But essentially the most underrated addition — and maybe essentially the most helpful — to Lanning’s employees needs to be Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach Matt Powledge. 

Powledge has been teaching faculty soccer for over a decade now, however his most profitable season got here in his 2021 marketing campaign with Baylor the place he served as safeties and particular groups coordinator.

After the rent, Lanning made positive to make observe of Powledge’s profession accolades: teaching the Huge 12 Defensive Participant of the Yr and the Huge 12 Particular Groups Participant of the Yr, being a giant a part of the “unbelievable turnaround at Louisiana” alongside along with his robust observe document. However Lanning additionally targeted on a extra essential trait that Powledge brings.

“Most of all, Matt is deeply revered within the teaching occupation as a result of he cares in regards to the younger males he coaches and leads them to success,” stated Lanning. 

With almost six months underneath his belt with the Geese, his devotion to the gamers and their growth has actually began to shine via. One instance is with Bennett Williams. 

Security Bennett Williams

Williams had a stellar begin to his 2021 season. In simply 4 video games, Williams recorded 20 tackles, three interceptions and a landing. Then, what has been described as a “freak accident” struck Williams earlier than taking part in Stanford and he would not play once more till the Alamo Bowl in opposition to Oklahoma.

The Geese misplaced loads of defensive again depth this offseason: Verone McKinley III and Mykael Wright have joined the NFL, whereas DJ James and Jaylin Davies entered the switch portal. 

Fortunately for the Geese, Williams is again for extra.

“Proper after the harm I had it in my thoughts I’m coming again,” Williams stated. “I’m a lot extra grateful this yr, and daily arising right here and never taking issues as a right.”

Security Trikweze Bridges

With 4 interceptions being thrown on the day, the defensive again room had a lot to have a good time within the Spring Sport. With loads of alternatives to go round, it was Trikweze Bridges who stole the present along with his pick-six off Bo Nix. 

READ MORE: Oregon Soccer Spring Sport Defensive Gamers of the Sport

Powledge has spoken out in regards to the expertise of his safeties room, and of Bridges specifically.

“That is one of many issues that is actually stood out with our secondary,” stated Powledge. “You bought Bennett, you bought Trikweze, you bought Bryan Addison — these guys, man, they’re lengthy, they will run, they’re athletic, however additionally they have an awesome psychological side that they bring about to the sport.”

Security Bryan Addison

Bryan Addison had a strong day within the Spring Sport as effectively, recording 5 tackles and a move break-up. The transformed large receiver noticed extra taking part in time after accidents plagued Oregon’s protection final season, and he appears to be like to proceed to play a key position for the staff.

Veteran Steve Stephens IV additionally returns after an injury-plagued 2021 season that noticed him blossom into an on a regular basis starter within the defensive backfield.

One other title to look at is JJ Greenfield, who additionally picked off new teammate Nix within the second quarter. For sure, Powledge has loads of weapons at his disposal.

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Comply with Graham on Twitter: @grahammetzker

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