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Oregon Football: 3 post-spring 2021 breakout candidates on defense

By Connor Muldowney

May 1, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Dontae Manning (8) runs the ball after an interception during the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Dontae Manning (8) runs the ball after an interception during the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks safety Jamal Hill (19) deflects a pass intended for Southern California Trojans wide receiver Drake London (15) in the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks safety Jamal Hill (19) deflects a pass intended for Southern California Trojans wide receiver Drake London (15) in the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

A name we heard Mario Cristobal talk about glowingly this spring but never quite gets enough credit for just how good he can truly be is Jamal Hill.

Hill is going to be in his second year as a starting nickel in this talent-ridden defense and he might just end up playing himself into a Day 2 pick in next year’s draft. He could opt to return for one final season in 2022, but Hill has enough talent to leave early and be near the top of some NFL teams’ draft boards. He’s that good.

However, we just haven’t seen a huge sample size from him as he had 24 tackles, four pass breakups, and two picks in six games last season and really turned it on near the end of the year.

I don’t think his 2020 performance was enough to warrant “breakout” status, but his performance in the Pac-12 title game against USC really put him on the map.

The rest of the Pac-12 better be ready because Hill looks poised to “become legendary” this season and I wouldn’t put it past him to be an all-conference first-teamer.

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