Oregon Ducks safety John Boyett is one of the best safeties in the nation and one of the team’s most important players. He was in street clothes during Oregon’s tougher than expected victory over Fresno State, and the word is that his injury is serious and could require season-ending surgery.
Jim Z. Rider-US PRESSWIRE
A top ball-hawking safety, Boyett is also a rangy player who is one of the best open-field tacklers in the conference. He recorded over 100 tackles last season in a career year, but it goes beyond numbers and ability. Boyett is the heart and soul of this defense, so losing him for the entire season would be devastating. In fact, if Boyett is out for the year it will really cut Oregon’s chances of winning the Pac-12 over USC.
The Ducks, of course, do not disclose injury information, and Boyett’s status is definitely something to keep an eye on. He is one of the best run stopping safeties in the country with his ability to get downfield in a hurry, and I’m sure college receivers will attest to his tackling ability with some of the hits he delivers across the middle of the field. Boyett is also an underrated coverage safety, and quarterbacks just stopped challenging him through the air last season as a junior.
Let’s wish John Boyett a speedy recovery, because he is a key leader for this team and someone who a lot of players look up to.
Wide receiver Josh Huff injured his knee in the Fresno State game and had to use crutches, but he told the Register-Guard that he will be practicing on Monday; that’s toughness right there. Hopefully Huff is able to recover from his knee injury at least in time for the Pac-12 opener against Arizona.
Here is a piece I wrote on Boyett back in April, my last piece on the site for a while before rejoining the site Friday. In it, I detail the various reasons why he should be regarded as an elite safety. Boyett has had knee issues in the past, and the word is that he will likely undergo season-ending knee surgery. Forget the “disappointing” victory against Fresno State (I’m actually elated it was a close game, puts things in perspective for the team), this is what has to be on every Oregon (heck, Pac-12) fan’s mind.
You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.