Duck Feed: 2010 Preview - Defensive Line
2010 Preview - Defensive Line
Wednesday, March 24, 1:45 p.m. PDT
Spring Practice begins March 30 in Eugene, and as we count down the days until the formal kickoff of the 2010 season, Duck Feed will be offering up a look at what's on the horizon for Oregon Football. Today's topic: Defensive Line.
As was the case heading into last season, Oregon’s depth and experience along the defensive line is not at an ideal level. But after the magic act position coach Jerry Azzinaro performed during his first year in Eugene, the Ducks have reason to believe that the veteran assistant will find a way to field and develop a formidable front line once again.
Down key starters to graduation in end Will Tukuafu and tackle Blake Ferras, the Ducks need players to emerge to claim those spots alongside returning starters Brandon Bair and Kenny Rowe. Bair was extremely impressive during his first year playing defensive tackle and both he and Rowe will look to build on a season where they earned all-Pac-10 honorable mention. Rowe will start his senior season fresh off being named the Rose Bowl defensive player of the game with his record-tying three-sack performance.
Thanks to a consistent rotation employed last season, veterans Zac Clark, Terrell Turner and Tyrell Irvin have plenty of snaps under their belts and will likely get additional seasoning with the first unit during the spring. Clark and Turner are versatile performers that can play inside or outside along the d-line, while Irvin is more of a speed rusher coming off the edge.
Defensive Linemen By Class
RS-SR Brandon Bair
RS-SR Chris DiVincenzo
RS-SR Tyrell Irvin
SR Zac Clark
SR Kenny Rowe
RS-JR Brandon Hanna
RS-JR Nick Musgrove
RS-JR Denton Tuiasosopo
RS-JR Terrell Turner
JR Isaac Remington
RS-SO Dion Jordan
RS-FR Anthony Anderson
RS-FR Keaton Arden
RS-FR Taylor Hart
RS-FR Wade Keliikipi
RS-FR Andy McIntyre
FR Ricky Heimuli
FR Tony Washington
Junior college transfer Isaac Remington, an early enrollee this past winter, will have a head start on other newcomers as he became immersed in UO’s strength and conditioning program in early January and will have spring ball and fall camp to learn the ropes and make a case for playing time. Originally offered by Oregon out of high school, Remington possesses impressive size (6-6, 267) and would make quite a pairing alongside the 6-7 Bair.
Ricky Heimuli and Tony Washington, both part of Oregon’s most recent prep signing class, are due on campus in the summer ahead of fall camp. Heimuli, a 6-4, 290-pound tackle, was a consensus four-star recruit and considered a major signing at the position for the Ducks. If he can contribute early, the unit becomes very formidable.
Former tight end and receiver Dion Jordan is making the move to defensive end in the spring. Coaches believe Jordan’s size, speed and length will translate well to his new role. Also joining the d-line is former linebacker Brandon Hanna.
A group of five redshirt freshmen will be looking for their first collegiate game action in 2010, including end Anthony Anderson, who was the team’s defensive scout team player of the year a season ago.
Thursday's topic: Linebacker.
Oregon Football is now on Twitter. Follow HERE.
blog comments powered by Disqus
