- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,206,581
- Reaction score
- 59
In terms of returning production, the Oregon Ducks couldn't have asked for much more this offseason. Not only did Dante Moore and an outstanding receiver room return, but the Ducks' entire starting defensive line is back, as well as the young stars in the secondary.
The Ducks did add pieces here and there in the transfer portal, but they left the linebacker room untouched, outside of the additions from the incoming recruiting class. That was a mild surprise, given the Ducks are losing their leading tackler from the past two seasons, linebacker Bryce Boettcher.
With Boettcher off to the NFL, Oregon is hoping for a seamless transition from Jerry Mixon Jr. as the leader in the middle of the defense. Mixon took a step forward last season, which now leaves his running mate up for grabs.
Based on how the Oregon coaching staff has spoken of him this offseason, CBS Sports believes Devon Jackson is primed for a huge role and a breakout season in his final season with the Ducks. Jackson has played in spurts in the past few seasons, often on passing downs, but now the coaching staff wants the redshirt senior to become an every-down player alongside Mixon.
"He's a freak," a source told CBS Sports. "He's 250 pounds (and runs) 4.3 (in the 40-yard dash). One of the fastest players on our team. He's a machine. They don't make humans like him."
Jackson had 41 tackles last season, primarily playing coverage over the middle or following tailbacks out of the backfield. The Ducks will likely ask him to do more of the same, thanks to his athleticism at the position, but they will also need his physicality to show up on Saturdays at the line of scrimmage.
"What stands out most about Jackson is his range," CBS Sports' Brad Crawford wrote. "Dan Lanning values linebackers who can play sideline-to-sideline in space, and Jackson possesses the speed and pursuit ability to thrive in that role. Several spring evaluations identified him as the Ducks' most likely breakout player at linebacker because of his ability to close on ball-carriers, defend in space and impact plays across the field."
The good news is that the Ducks aren't replacing a tackling machine like Boettcher with someone who is learning the ropes. Jackson has had some high and low moments with the Ducks, but he has also developed and learned while waiting his turn to star in the defense. Now, it's his time.
“Really, a big emphasis for me is just to be as violent as I can be," Jackson said earlier this spring. "I think there were times last year where I wasn't for whatever the case may be. But now, I’ve got to apply that to be the most violent person I can be every day. There's no other option.”
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon LB Devon Jackson named by CBS Sports as breakout candidate
Continue reading...
The Ducks did add pieces here and there in the transfer portal, but they left the linebacker room untouched, outside of the additions from the incoming recruiting class. That was a mild surprise, given the Ducks are losing their leading tackler from the past two seasons, linebacker Bryce Boettcher.
With Boettcher off to the NFL, Oregon is hoping for a seamless transition from Jerry Mixon Jr. as the leader in the middle of the defense. Mixon took a step forward last season, which now leaves his running mate up for grabs.
Based on how the Oregon coaching staff has spoken of him this offseason, CBS Sports believes Devon Jackson is primed for a huge role and a breakout season in his final season with the Ducks. Jackson has played in spurts in the past few seasons, often on passing downs, but now the coaching staff wants the redshirt senior to become an every-down player alongside Mixon.
"He's a freak," a source told CBS Sports. "He's 250 pounds (and runs) 4.3 (in the 40-yard dash). One of the fastest players on our team. He's a machine. They don't make humans like him."
Jackson had 41 tackles last season, primarily playing coverage over the middle or following tailbacks out of the backfield. The Ducks will likely ask him to do more of the same, thanks to his athleticism at the position, but they will also need his physicality to show up on Saturdays at the line of scrimmage.
"What stands out most about Jackson is his range," CBS Sports' Brad Crawford wrote. "Dan Lanning values linebackers who can play sideline-to-sideline in space, and Jackson possesses the speed and pursuit ability to thrive in that role. Several spring evaluations identified him as the Ducks' most likely breakout player at linebacker because of his ability to close on ball-carriers, defend in space and impact plays across the field."
The good news is that the Ducks aren't replacing a tackling machine like Boettcher with someone who is learning the ropes. Jackson has had some high and low moments with the Ducks, but he has also developed and learned while waiting his turn to star in the defense. Now, it's his time.
“Really, a big emphasis for me is just to be as violent as I can be," Jackson said earlier this spring. "I think there were times last year where I wasn't for whatever the case may be. But now, I’ve got to apply that to be the most violent person I can be every day. There's no other option.”
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon LB Devon Jackson named by CBS Sports as breakout candidate
Continue reading...
