Duck Feed: 2010 Preview - Linebacker
2010 Preview - Linebacker
Thursday, March 25, 7:00 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: Linebacker.
It could be argued that multiple position groups were snubbed when conference awards were handed out last season. After all, the Pac-10 champion and Rose Bowl participant garnered only one first team player (Ed Dickson) out of 27 possible awards.
But if there was one unit that had a bigger beef than most it was the linebackers. The good news is they will have an opportunity to make another impression in 2010 as position coach Don Pellum didn't lose a single player to graduation.
Led by seniors Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews, there may not be a deeper or more experienced position on the team. Paysinger, the Ducks' second-leading tackler, has started 19 straight games at weakside linebacker and his 25 career opening assignments are the most by any defensive player and second-most on the team (WR Jeff Maehl, 29).
Matthews, a second-team all-conference choice, has 20 consecutive starts at middle linebacker and was one of only three players to surpass 1,000 plays in 2009.
After Paysinger and Matthews, Oregon is confident enough in its depth that 11-game starter Eddie Pleasant is likely to move from strong side linebacker to safety. Junior Josh Kaddu and senior Bryson Littlejohn both have starting experience, and true sophomore Michael Clay, the team's first-year player of the year last season, has performed like a savvy veteran from the minute he arrived in Eugene.
Linebackers By Class
RS-SR Spencer Paysinger
SR Bryson Littlejohn
SR Casey Matthews
RS-JR Blake Thompson
JR Josh Kaddu
JR Dewitt Stuckey
RS-SO Kiko Alonso*
RS-SO Tyler Briffett
RS-SO Jennings Stewart
SO Michael Clay
RS-FR Keloni Kamalani
RS-FR Bo Lokombo
FR Derrick Malone
*Suspended for 2010 season
Junior Dewitt Stuckey, a one-time prized prep recruit as a weakside linebacker, still has a mark to make at Oregon. After giving up a potential redshirt midway through his freshman season because of injuries, he was injured himself during fall camp as a sophomore, limiting his chances of breaking into the regular rotation.
Bo Lokombo was able to redshirt a year ago and his play in the spring should provide some answers as to what role he'll play for the coming year.
Derrick Malone (Colton, Calif./Colton) was UO's only prep recruit at linebacker, and like Pleasant, he is also a potentioal candidate at safety.
Friday's Topic: Defensive Back.
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