2014 Season Review: Defensive backs
By Rob Moseley
Editor, GoDucks.com
DEPTH CHART
CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Sr.; Chris Seisay, RFr.; Arrion Springs, Fr.; Mattrell McGraw, Fr.
CB: Troy Hill, Sr.; Dior Mathis, Sr.; Stephen Amoako, So.; Dominique Harrison, Jr.; Michael Manns, So.
S: Erick Dargan, Sr.; Tyree Robinson, RFr.; Khalil Oliver, Fr.; Glen Ihenacho, Fr.
S: Reggie Daniels, So.; Juwaan Williams, RFr.; Issac Dixon, Jr.; Bronson Yim, Jr.
Starters: The Ducks had to replace three starters in the secondary, and the transition took some time. Oregon’s defensive backs gave up more plays through the air than in recent years, particularly on third down. But around midseason, coaches found position groups that fit best in particular situations, and the defense steadied itself. The Ducks allowed a passer rating of 125.17 overall in 2014-15, up 20 points from the year before, but each month of the regular season was better than the last, down to 117.17 in November. Similarly, the Ducks allowed third-down conversions at a rate of 42.15 percent overall this past season, but after a troubling October in which the number was an even 50 percent, it was about 36 percent over the final seven games.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu was the lone returning starter, and earned consensus all-America honors while being named a finalist for the Thorpe Award as the nation’s best DB. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t tested often – but for a couple memorable times at WSU – and he finished third on the team with 11 passes defended despite missing the bowl season with a knee injury. The team leader, with 19, was the other corner, Troy Hill, who responded well from most opponents’ efforts to avoid throwing at Ekpre-Olomu. Safety Erick Dargan moved into a starting role and thrived, leading the Ducks with 95 tackles and seven interceptions on his way to being named team defensive MVP. Dargan and Hill both were sidelined by suspensions late in 2013, and the maturity they showed in learning from those situations in 2014 was the sort of growth you hope for – but can’t always expect – from college kids. The fourth starter, Reggie Daniels, was one of eight Ducks to start all 15 games. He finished third on the team with 83 tackles and 10 passes defended, developing into a ferocious hitter over the middle.
Reserves: Chris Seisay was pressed into action for some of the biggest moments of the season, and his ability to thrive in them portends big things for his future. Seisay was called upon to provide some size against Michigan State’s big receivers, helping the Ducks come from behind and win that key early season matchup. Then, he replaced Ekpre-Olomu in the bowl season; the fact Seisay’s name was hardly mentioned against Florida State or Ohio State reflected the way he held up and didn’t give up many notable plays. Dior Mathis made a huge play late in the Washington State game, but couldn’t hold off Seisay in the battle to be Oregon’s third corner. Tyree Robinson thrived when inserted for nickel situations at midseason – Dargan would move to nickel corner with Robinson playing safety – as the Ducks solidified one of their early weaknesses. Freshmen Juwaan Williams and Arrion Springs made their most notable contributions on special teams, while Issac Dixon, Stephen Amoako, Bronson Yim and Michael Manns held things down on the scout team, with Manns earning defensive scout of the year recognition.
Redshirts: Though he travelled all year and was essentially the Ducks’ fifth safety, Khalil Oliver managed to preserve his redshirt. The practice reps he got with the travel squad should prove hugely valuable as Oliver competes to be in the two-deep going forward. Fellow freshmen Glen Ihenacho and Mattrell McGraw also redshirted, although nicks and dings held up their progress at times. JC transfer Dominique Harrison took a redshirt as well, though that won’t pay dividends at Oregon as he left the program along with Amoako following the season.
SPRING PROJECTION
CB: Chris Seisay, So.; Mattrell McGraw, RFr. .; Bronson Yim, Sr.
CB: Arrion Springs, So.; Ugo Amadi, Fr.; Michael Manns, Jr.
S: Tyree Robinson, So.; Khalil Oliver, RFr.; Glen Ihenacho, RFr.
S: Reggie Daniels, Jr.; Juwaan Williams, So.; Issac Dixon, Sr.
For all the concerns about replacing Marcus Mariota at quarterback, Oregon’s situation at cornerback might have been even more of an unknown entering 2015. That is, until Seisay’s lock-down postseason, which makes it reasonable to project one sure thing at corner entering the offseason. The return of Daniels and Robinson gives the Ducks two athletic, experienced safeties, with the potential of Williams and Oliver behind them. The big question is the other starter at corner, and also depth there. The first could be answered by Springs; position coach John Neal really pushed him in practices this year, trying to get the most out of the former top recruit. The latter issue could be resolved in part by incoming freshman Ugo Amadi, who is already enrolled, and also McGraw, who is essentially starting off his career this winter.
