3 defensive breakout candidates for Oregon football in 2024
Folks, Oregon football is almost back.
That's right, there's only one Saturday standing between us and the return of the Ducks which is exciting when you consider just how hyped up this upcoming season is.
Oregon is ranked No. 3 according to essentially every poll and projection and that's not exactly controversial because the Ducks are loaded. They have depth on both sides of the ball and today we're going to focus on the defense.
The other day, I posted my offensive breakout candidates, but today is all about the defense.
Who are my top three breakout candidates on defense for 2024?
3. Elijah Rushing, DE
This is more of a hopeful breakout candidate. As the top-ranked player from the Ducks' 2024 recruiting class, Elijah Rushing has some massive expectations surrounding him. He was the No. 26 player in the 2024 class as well as the No. 3 edge rusher, per 247Sports.
And while Oregon's defensive line is loaded, I do believe that he could crack the regular playing rotation at defensive end along with guys like My'Keil Gardner and Ashton Porter. To me, Rushing has the highest upside of any of the potential backups and I see him showing that this season.
Heck, ESPN even named him as one of the top freshmen to watch in college football.
2. Jahlil Florence, CB
Jahlil Florence is one of those guys who I expected to become a star almost right away at Oregon. He played in eight games as a true freshman, recording eight tackles, an interception, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
But he broke out as a sophomore with 27 tackles, two pass breakups, and a pick. He was injured near the end of the year which cut his season short by three games, but he's back and healthy.
Florence will be starting at cornerback beside Jabbar Muhammad and he's going to get plenty of opportunities to show what he can do. I expect the former four-star to have a huge season and as long as he remains healthy, he's going to be an All-Big Ten candidate.
1. Matayo Uiagalelei
Essentially a five-star in the 2023 class, Matayo Uiagalelei came to Oregon hoping to crack the starting rotation at defensive end right away and he did just that.
The brother of former Oregon State QB1 DJ Uiagalelei, Matayo played in 13 games as a true freshman, accoungint for 18 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and two batted passes. He was a force to be reckoned with, but he barely scratched the surface.
Now projected as a full-time starter at defensive end, Uiagalelei is going to be a superstar in the Big Ten and I wouldn't be shocked to hear his name mentioned among All-American candidates.