Season in Review: DB

Reviewing Oregon's 2022 season and looking ahead to spring drills.

2022 ROSTER
CB: Christian Gonzalez, So.; Dontae Manning, So.; Jalil Tucker, Fr.; Avante Dickerson, So.; Devin Morrow, RFr.; Dominic Stephens, Fr.
CB: Trikweze Bridges, So.; Jahlil Florence, Fr.; Darren Barkins, RFr.; Timon Davis, RFr.; DJ Beckum, So.; Rayquan Williams, Fr.
S: Steve Stephens IV, Jr.; Bryan Addison, Jr.; Max Wysocki, So.; Trejon Williams, Fr.; Zach Grisham, Fr.
S: Jamal Hill, Jr.; Daymon David, So.; Bryce Boettcher, So.; Donovan Dalton, Sr.; Dane Sipos, RFr.;
Nickel: Bennett Williams, Sr.; JJ Greenfield, RFr.; Khamari Terrell, Fr.; Marko Vidackovic, RFr.; Jonathan Flowe, RFr.

Starters: Christian Gonzalez joined the Ducks from the portal to continue working with his position coach who also came to Eugene from Colorado, Demetrice Martin, and their progress together yielded huge results in 2022. Gonzalez was a first-team all-Pac-12 selection who had four interceptions to rank third in the conference, and he's now arguably the top 2023 NFL Draft prospect at cornerback. Gonzalez moved inside to play nickel against some opponents, showing his versatility, and though he opted out of the Holiday Bowl, he continued to attend practices with the team and was on the sideline for the game in an expression of his solidarity with the UO football program.

At the other corner, Trikweze Bridges showed continued progress in his development as well, picking off three passes and breaking up another eight. At safety, Bennett Williams returned from the leg injury that sidelined him for much of 2021 and ended up as Oregon's leading tackler last season with 72. Jamal Hill moved from nickel to a more traditional safety spot for most of the season and tied Gonzalez for fourth on the team with 50 tackles, and Steve Stephens IV added 43 tackles from the other safety spot. Overall, the UO secondary tied for second in the Pac-12 with 64 passes defended, and the Ducks were third in the conference in passer rating allowed at 133.66. Oregon's 16 interceptions were 10th-most in the FBS, and 12 were by defensive backs.

The Oregon Ducks take on the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on November 18, 2022 (Eric Evans Photography)

The Oregon Ducks take on the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on November 18, 2022 (Eric Evans Photography)

Reserves: Dontae Manning played in all 13 games and had 20 tackles, and he stepped in for Gonzalez at the Holiday Bowl and held up well against superb North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Bryan Addison also started that game, breaking up Maye's Hail Mary attempt on the final play to clinch Oregon's win. And freshman Jahlil Florence also played a bigger role in that game, capping his inaugural season. JJ Greenfield and Daymon David were regulars in the special teams rotation, and Bryce Boettcher came over from the baseball team to bring a hard-hitting mentality to the kickoff team and on defense in practice. Khamari Terrell worked his way onto the field for some game reps in the nickel spot, and Darren Barkins provided depth at corner.

Developmental squad: The Ducks were extremely deep in the secondary, allowing for the likes of Avante Dickerson, Jalil Tucker and Trejon Williams to develop their skills with the scout-team defense. Max Wysocki, Marko Vidackovic, Donovan Dalton, Timon Davis, Devin Morrow and Dane Sipos provided more experience for that group.

Addison_Manning_WSU_EE

2023 SPRING PREVIEW
Veterans: Bryan Addison, Sr.; Steve Stephens IV, Sr.; Jamal Hill, Sr.; Trikweze Bridges, Jr.; Dontae Manning, Jr.; Daymon David, Jr.; Avante Dickerson, Jr.; Bryce Boettcher, Jr.; DJ Beckum, Jr.; JJ Greenfield, So.; Jahlil Florence, So.; Khamari Terrell, So.; Darren Barkins, So.; Marko Vidackovic, So.; Dane Sipos, So.; Timon Davis, So.; Devin Morrow, So.; Jalil Tucker, RFr.; Trejon Williams, RFr.; Zach Grisham, RFr.
Newcomers: Evan Williams, Sr.; Khyree Jackson, Jr.; Cole Martin, Fr.; Tyler Turner, Fr.

What to Watch: This group looks a lot like the personnel breakdown on the offensive line – though some talented veterans are moving on, there still are returners with starting experience, some younger players looking to win bigger roles in the rotation, and also a couple additions from the portal to challenge for job. Evan Williams – Bennett's younger brother – will play his senior year for the Ducks, and Khyree Jackson arrived via the portal as well. Tyler Turner got a jump start on his adjustment to college by participating in some bowl practices, and fellow freshman Cole Martin is now on hand as well to begin preparing for spring practice.