In the bad old days, watching the Oregon Ducks try to play defense used to be a cringe-worthy misery, a couch pillow chewing, remote smashing descent into fan hell. Twenty years ago they lost games 42-41 and 38-34. It wasn’t bend but don’t break, it was bend and break repeatedly. Even in the Bellotti era, there were clunkers like a 50-21 loss to Oregon State in the 2004 Civil War, or a 38-8 pasting by BYU in 2006 Las Vegas Bowl.
For years, Oregon put all its best athletes on offense and tried to outscore people. Megatalents like Dante Rosario lined up at H-Back and tight end while the defense tried to make do with John Bacon.
Thankfully, times changed. Unleashed by Chip Kelly to play an aggressive, attacking style closer to his personality and vision, Nick Aliotti blossomed as a defensive coordinator, employing a swift, athletic, hockey line change style of defense that limited big offensive plays while creating big plays of its own. Last year, the Ducks led the nation in takeaways and defensive touchdowns. And next week, Oregon outside linebacker/defensive end Dion Jordan might be the number one pick in the NFL draft. NFL teams covet his unique blend of size and agility, and he’s high on the list for teams like Kansas City and Jacksonville that employ a 3-4 defense.
Add Jordan’s fierce work ethic, character and onfield motor, and it’s no wonder the scouts are salivating over his potential. It’s a testimony to the evaluation and coaching ability of the Oregon staff, as Dion started his Oregon career as a skinny tight end. Nicknamed “The Preying Mantis” by defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti, the Duck star had 29 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in his three seasons in the lineup.
Jordan’s ascent signals a new era in Oregon defense. The newest generation is loaded with versatile athletes who excelled as preps in multiple sports. Arik Armstead doubles as a forward on the Duck basketball team. Christian French and DeForest Buckner also were top rebounders and scorers on the prep hardwood. Safety Oshay Dunmore has Olympic potential in the decathlon. Linebacker Brett Bafaro was a standout centerfielder who hit over .500 his senior year, so fast he once stole five bases in one game at 6-2, 235. Then there’s defensive end Cody Carriger, who starred in three sports in high school, able to dunk a basketball with either hand and run an 11.3 100 meters at 6-7, 230.
It’s a new age in Oregon football when the defense sports reserves and young players with this kind of athletic ability. It’s no wonder when you see Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Avery Patterson and Boseko Lokombo turning turnovers into sudden strikes for six. It used to be bend but don’t break. Now it’s 24 angry men flying to the football.
The athletic gap with SEC defenses is closing. With Marcus Mariota, De’Anthony Thomas and Josh Huff leading the offense, the Ducks have a complete team that can compete with anyone. Now they just need to identify the linebackers that step up to replace Jordan and fellow NFL draft prospects Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso.
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