Preseason Camp Preview: Defensive Line
07/31/18 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks boast a proven star in senior defensive end Jalen Jelks, a budding standout in sophomore nose guard Jordon Scott and two versatile veterans in Gary Baker and Austin Faoliu.
Assessing where things stand for the Oregon football team entering the start of preseason camp Aug. 3.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Who's back: In the run-up to the Las Vegas Bowl, it seemed like a given that Jalen Jelks, who finished third in the Pac-12 with 15 tackles for loss last season, would at least throw his name into the NFL draft pool for consideration. Instead, he announced prior to the game he was staying in school, a decision that probably wasn't met with the weight it was due, given its significance. College football analyst Phil Steele rates Jelks the No. 15 draft-eligible defensive end in college football for 2018, second in the Pac-12 only to USC's Christian Rector. He's a bona fide star on the UO defensive line, and the Ducks have a burgeoning second star in sophomore nose guard Jordon Scott. He's an absolute bulldozer in the middle of the line, combining 330-pound force with nimble feet and an explosive burst.
Among the biggest breakout veterans of this spring's practices was junior defensive tackle Gary Baker. He can play either nose or tackle, and became more of a playmaker during spring drills. Another versatile veteran who can play all over the line is sophomore Austin Faoliu. He started twice at nose last season, and practiced and played there and elsewhere the rest of the fall. Gus Cumberlander moved down from outside linebacker to provide depth at end, which was needed in part because Drayton Carlberg sat out spring practice due to injury. Malik Young was a depth player in his first season with the Ducks last fall, and a regular presence in the two-deep come spring.
Who's new: The biggest new addition could be redshirt freshman Popo Aumavae, and not just because of his 6-foot-3, 303-pound frame. After sitting out last fall due to injuries, he finally was able to practice regularly, and showed flashes of being another keystone in the middle of the line behind Scott. To that group the Ducks in August will add Faoliu's younger brother, Andrew, and walk-on Miguel Nevarez. The possibility of a late addition prior to the start of camp remains on the table as well.
ROB'S TAKE
Projected depth chart
DE: Jalen Jelks, Sr.; Drayton Carlberg, Jr.; Gus Cumberlander, Jr.
NG: Jordon Scott, So.; Popo Aumavae, RFr.; Miguel Nevarez, Fr.
DT: Gary Baker, Jr.; Austin Faoliu, So.; Malik Young, Sr.; Andrew Faoliu, Fr.
What to watch: With Jelks and Scott seemingly entrenched, one of the more competitive position battles this August could be between Baker and Faoliu for the third starting spot. This is a win-win situation; either way, a veteran with solid experience will be available to contribute on the second unit. Continued development by Aumavae and a return to healthy contribution by Carlberg would complement that depth. Young will participate in practice while awaiting word on his status for this fall; he has made an appeal to be eligible for one last collegiate season in 2018.
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