Duck Stops Here editor Scott Morgan put together a spread sheet comparing Oregon’s three departed linebackers with the prospects on the roster that will compete to replace them:
Graduated Seniors:
Dion Jordan DE/OLB 6-7 243, Rivals Star Ranking: 4 Position Rank: 15 (at TE)
Michael Clay ILB 5-11, 222 Rivals Star Ranking: 4 Position Rank: 14
Kiko Alonso ILB 6-4, 242 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 47
2013 Linebacker Roster:
Tony Washington DE/OLB 6-3, 244 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 42
Christian French DE/OLB 6-5, 242 Rivals Star Ranking: 4 Position Rank: 5 (at TE)
Terrell Robinson LB 6-4, 201 Rivals Star Ranking: 4 Position Rank: 5
Torrodney Prevot LB 6-3, 214 Rivals Star Ranking: 4 Position Rank: 7
Brett Bafaro ILB 6-2, 225 Rivals Star Ranking: 4 Position Rank: 23
Tyson Coleman ILB 6-1, 222 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 20 (at S)
Boseko Lokombo OLB 6-3, 233 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 27
Danny Mattingly ILB 6-5, 222 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 33
Derrick Malone ILB 6-2, 219 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 40 (at S)
Rahim Cassell LB 6-0, 215 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: 60
Rodney Hardrick ILB 6-1, 230 Rivals Star Ranking: 3 Position Rank: NA
Joe Walker ILB 6-2, 225 Rivals Star Ranking: 2 Position Rank: NA
Isaac Ava ILB 5-10, 240 Rivals Star Ranking: 0 Position Rank: NA
Grant Thompson LB 5-11, 220 Rivals Star Ranking: 0 Position Rank: NA
Mike Garrity LB 6-1, 226 Rivals Star Ranking: 0 Position Rank: NA
The Ducks have to replace three NFL players, all terrific leaders and playmakers. It’s not unlike the challenge Billy Beane faced when he had to replace Jason Giambi and his 40 homeruns and 120 rbi’s.
Oregon has 15 candidates to replace the departed three, a list that doesn’t include Cody Carriger or T.J. Daniel, who will also compete for playing time at the drop end/linebacker position Jordan pioneered as a Webfoot. Jordan’s length, speed, athleticism and potential made him the #3 pick in the NFL draft, and he had a solid debut for the Miami Dolphins against Dallas on Sunday night, with two tackles and a quarterback hurry.
Torrodney Prevot, Danny Mattingly and Tyrell Robinson all come in with higher ratings than Jordan, Clay and Alonso did as freshman. Christian French has similar physical tools to Jordan; he may even be faster and as a track and high school basketball star, a better athlete. Physically, Tyson Coleman is an excellent match for Clay, and he has carved his body this off season, making some significant strength gains.
DeForest Buckner is up to a muscular, mobile 285 and will probably play strongside defensive end and tackle rather than drop end.
Bo Lokombo is poised for a breakout year. A playmaker who has always had a knack for being around the ball, he’ll be a force in the defense this season.
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