Spring Game: Defensive Players of the Game

Saturday was a enjoyable day for Duck followers. They bought a small glimpse in any respect the offensive explosion that was under-utilized a season in the past. 

On the opposite facet although, we bought to see some playmakers flash within the secondary and who’s made progress alongside the defensive position with a number of veterans out this spring. 

Listed below are among the prime defensive performers from the spring recreation.

1. OLB DJ Johnson

DJ Johnson had himself a day for the inexperienced staff. He completed the day with seven whole tackles, 4 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. 

Admittedly it is onerous to weight the importance of these stats as a result of the quarterback is off limits, nevertheless it was almost inconceivable to overlook the impression Johnson was having on protection. He imposed his will from begin to end and additional solidified himself as a prime move rusher for the Geese heading into 2022.

After spending time enjoying each methods final season, it appears just like the workers is intent on making him a full-time member of the entrance seven.

2. Trikweze Bridges

Bridges entered spring as one in all Oregon’s extra skilled defensive backs. After coming to Eugene as a ball-hawking security, he spent the 2021 season at nook.

Now it appears like he is poised for a bigger position as a security. Nevertheless, he is bounced between each spots to assist the Geese work out how they will greatest adapt to the losses of Verone McKinley III, DJ James and Mykael Wright. 

He appeared fairly comfy on Saturday and made a big impression, particularly when he intercepted a Ty Thompson move meant for Spencer Webb and returned it for a landing. Wherever he finally ends up lining up within the secondary, he is turning into a extra reliable member of Lanning’s protection.

3. LB Jackson LaDuke

LaDuke appeared like a way more established and polished linebacker in Oregon’s spring recreation. After battling the damage bug for a lot of his first two seasons, he additionally needed to overcome COVID to return to the sphere final 12 months.

Linebacker could be the deepest place group on this protection, however with Justin Flowe nonetheless working again from a extreme damage of his personal, the Geese may need LaDuke to tackle a bigger position in the intervening time.

He was banging by means of offensive linemen en route to 6 whole tackles and 1.5 sacks. having a linebacker that may present a surge within the center aside from Noah Sewell will make this protection much more harmful and bolster its depth.

Honorable point out: CB Jahlil Florence

Florence has been one of many gamers we have had an in depth eye on through the spring, primarily as a result of he is an early enrollee and performs a place the Geese are fairly skinny at. 

His spotlight of the day was a grown man interception of a Jay Butterfield move meant for Isaah Crocker, ripping the ball out of his palms in mid-air on a really closely contested catch. It was encouraging to see him bounce again after giving up a protracted landing catch to Dont’e Thornton.

Other than that play, he seems to be adjusting fairly effectively to the velocity of the faculty recreation.

Offensive gamers of the sport

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