The anticipation in the air can only mean one thing: The onset of fall camp is upon us!
August 3 is the date circled on the calendars of Duck fans near and far, as that is the day fall camp officially opens at the University of Oregon. The month of practices that follow will not only give coaches, members of the media, and fans a sneak peek at the team for the upcoming season, but it will also serve as an opportunity to simultaneously answer and facilitate a litany of questions surrounding position battles and movement along the depth chart.
More importantly, it means we’re only one month away from the start of football season.
As we countdown the days, WFOD will preview each position group, providing an early snapshot of the depth chart, as well as handout a few superlatives to help set expectations for the season.
Today, WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives series continues with the defensive line.
Defensive Line:
The Projected Depth Chart:
DE: Gary Baker (RJr.)/Austin Faoliu (So.)/Drayton Carlberg (RJr.)/Sione Vea Kava (Jr.)
NG: Jordon Scott (So.)/Popo Aumavae (RFr.)
DE: Jalen Jelks (RSr.)/Malik Young (Sr.)/Gus Cumberlander (RJr.)/D.J. Johnson (So.)/Andrew Faoliu (Fr.)
The Duke: Jalen Jelks
Jordon Scott may be in this class by the end of the season, but for now, redshirt senior Jalen Jelks is alpha of this group and a deserving one at that. Jelks was a revelation for the Ducks as a junior, leading the team in both sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (15), while finishing fifth in total tackles (58). Though it came in a disappointing loss on the road at Arizona State last September, his three-sack performance versus the Sun Devils officially announced Jelks as a defensive stalwart, as he played like a man possessed the rest of the season. Though there was some talk that he may consider foregoing his senior year in order to make the jump to the NFL, Jelks put that speculation to rest early by announcing before the bowl game that he would be returning to Eugene in 2018. And boy are the Ducks glad he did. Not only is Jelks Oregon’s most disruptive force along the defensive line, but he’s perhaps the second-best player on the entire defense behind Troy Dye. Along with Scott, Jelks is an irreplaceable component that is vital to Oregon’s success this season.
The X-factor: Gary Baker
Given the staggering lack of depth for the Ducks along the defensive line, any contributions Oregon receives this season from players NOT named Jordon Scott, Jalen Jelks, or Austin Faoliu is absolutely critical. With that, enter redshirt junior Gary Baker. Over the course of two seasons, Baker has appeared in 20 games and has tallied 19 tackles – modest production to be sure, though when weighed against the rest of the Ducks’ defensive line depth, it’s about as good as it gets. Yet, there’s a reason why expectations are high for Baker entering 2018. Coming off an impressive spring, Baker has inserted himself into the discussion for a starting job alongside Scott and Jelks. If Baker is able to be a consistent contributor and put his versatility to good use, it would be a significant development for this group.
The Upstart: Austin Faoliu
After appearing in 12 games and finishing the season with 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack as a true freshman, it’s hard to completely commit to calling sophomore Austin Faoliu an upstart. However, he feels like the best fit given his youth and tremendous potential. Faoliu played the eighth-most snaps of any FBS freshman defensive lineman a year ago, and will likely be called upon to repeat that kind of effort for the Ducks this season. His strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blocks and be rugged in run defense are his best attributes, though he’s very capable of generating enough push to be a disruptor behind the line of scrimmage. If Faoliu can be more consistent in this area, he could cement himself as a defensive pillar over the next few years.
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Quarterback Preview
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Running Back Preview
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Wide Receiver Preview
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Tight End Preview
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Offensive Line Preview