Oregon Football is entering their second season under Defensive Coordinator Jim Leavitt and there is experience up front and in the backfield.
Oregon released their Depth Chart earlier this week and there are several Defensive Standouts for Week One.
The Oregon Ducks first three games may not be a test of wills for the Defense, but it will be a good opportunity to focus on fundamentals, cutting down on penalties and getting things right as they head toward Pac-12 play at the end of September.
The biggest name on the Defensive side of the ball is Troy Dye, who is entering his third season with Oregon, and working with a consistent coaching staff for the second straight year. Last season, under Defensive Coordinator Jim Leavitt, the Defensive Unit jumped 27 spots in the Defensive Rankings in the first season and should continue to improve in 2018.
Along with Dye, Jalen Jelks and Jordan Scott help anchor the Line. Jelks had a monster game last season against Arizona State and enters 2018 healthy. The team focus this offseason was in the weight room. Most players added five or more pounds of muscle and the Defense has shown in practice they are more physical entering the season.
One key area for Oregon is on the outside at Cornerback. Thomas Graham Jr and Deommodore Lenoir will patrol the islands this season and should be tested in the first week against a Bowling Green team that likes to pass the ball. Ugo Amadi and a now healthy Nick Pickett will roam the inside. Amadi could also see time at Cornerback having experience there. If there is one thing Leavitt is good at it is finding a decoy position.
Oregon Football opens the 2018 season on Saturday against Bowling Green. Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage starting at 4 pm Pacific Time. Kickoff is set for 5 pm on Pac-12 Network.