Oregon Football Fall Camp: Defensive Competition Is Tight Entering Game Week

Oregon Football begins game week preparations on Monday, and Jim Leavitt has some decisions to make after a month of Fall Camp.

Leavitt and the Oregon Ducks have had a consistent Fall Camp. Just as they did in the Spring, the team focused on the fundamentals done the right way. It is almost time to see if that work will payoff. The Oregon Defensive Coordinator spoke with the media on Thursday and was pleased with how his guys are performing in practice, “There’s a lot of competition going on right now. Between our one’s and two’s it really tight. It’s really close.”

There was a clear separation when he arrived after the previous coaching staff that went as far back as Chip Kelly. While youth will be an issue early on in the season in certain positions. The team should come together as the on-field chemistry builds. While the Defensive Unit is in another transition between the 4-3 from last year and the 3-4, Leavitt has worked on different formations for the upcoming season.

Along with some promising play from Freshman, there may also be some upper classmen who see playing time after spending part of the last few seasons off the field, “A lot of these guys didn’t play a lot..two years ago, three years ago. We’re not running it the same way they were running it before.” Head Coach WIllie Taggart has said that Freshman will play if they can help the team win. I expect there are a few on Defense that fit that circumstance.

Transfer Scott Pagano was expected to be a big key and voice on Defense to start the season but recovery from a foot injury has not gone as quickly as hoped. Leavitt had an update on Pagano’s status, but there was no definitive date for his return to the field, “I’ll wait till he gets out there and rolls on the field. I ask him everyday, “How ya doin?” He says, “I’m doing okay, I’m great.” So well have to wait till we get him out there.”

Next: Brady Hoke Gets Fresh Start With Tennessee

Oregon Football begins game week preparation for Southern Utah on Saturday, September 2nd(5:15pm PT, Pac-12 Network)

Quotes obtained first hand at Oregon Football Practice