Oregon Football: Ranking each position group as of spring 2021

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 02: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks attempts to make a tackle on Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the third quarter of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. Iowa State won 34-17. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

3. Defensive line

It’s tough to really get a grasp on the defensive line solely because we don’t know where Kayvon Thibodeaux is going to line up in Tim DeRuyter’s defense.

If Thibodeaux lines up primarily as a defensive end instead of a linebacker, this No. 3 ranking is more than warranted. If he’s more of a stand-up linebacker, we may be looking at the line moving down a spot or two. Either way, this unit should be solid, and just imagine how much better it would look with 2021’s No. 1 overall recruit JT Tuimoloau committing this summer.

Austin Faoliu is gone and so is Jordon Scott, but they’ll be replaced by some talented guys up front in Brandon Dorlus, Popo Aumavae, Keyon Ware-Hudson, Kristian Williams, Jayson Jones, Sua’ava Poti, Keanu Williams, Maceal Afaese, and Jaylen Smith. That’s some serious depth.

As for the end spot, Thibodeaux will be backed up by Bradyn Swinson and Jake Shipley.

Right now, Thibodeaux is carrying this unit, but there’s potential for dominance in the trenches defensively and the Ducks should have plenty of solid pieces.

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