It’s been practically two full months since the 2019 season ended for the Oregon Ducks; a season that will be long remembered as a year of resurgence for the Oregon football program.

A Pac-12 Championship. A Rose Bowl victory. A second consecutive star-studded recruiting class signed, sealed, and all but delivered. Those types of accomplishments simultaneously restore the integrity of a proud program while also serving as an emphatic launch point for a new era under the direction of Mario Cristobal.

Yet, as strange as it may seem, the time for reminiscing and the savoring of moments from the recent past is over – at least insofar as it relates to Cristobal and his coaching staff. The countdown to spring practice can be marked by days, if not hours, and with it marks the first tangible signs that preparations for the upcoming 2020 season are underway.

With spring football set to begin in earnest for the Ducks on March 5, culminating with the annual spring game on April 18, WFOD is taking the time between now and then to examine the prevailing storylines at each position group.

Today, our Spring Storylines series continues with a look at the defensive line.

What is the next evolution in Kayvon Thibodeaux’s game?

Admittedly, this is a question that isn’t so much a spring storyline as it is a longer range inquiry as to how Kayvon Thibodeaux will follow up his nine-sack season as a true freshman a year ago. The question is also somewhat of a reflection of just how strong this overall unit appears to be heading into the fall, as very little little stands out in terms of nagging questions. Nevertheless, with the start of spring practice just days away, we should begin to learn a little more about what next season could have in store for arguably the best young pass rusher in the college football.

For starters, we know what Thibodeaux brings to the table in terms of size and athletic ability. The lightning quick first step, the ability to bend the edge, and the knack for detonating plays behind the line scrimmage – often when the quarterback has the ball – that he demonstrated as a true freshman wholeheartedly supported Thibodeaux’s billing as the no. 2 overall player nationally in the 2019 recruiting class. And at 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Thibodeaux’s skills are only enhanced by that impressive physical profile.

We also know that Thibodeaux will be surrounded by an immensely talented defensive line unit that, on paper, is expected to be even more stout than last year’s group which helped the Oregon defense rank first in the Pac-12 in sacks (41.0) and tackles for loss (97.0), and second in rushing defense (108.93 yards/game). Chiefly, the decisions by Jordon Scott and Austin Faoliu to return for their senior seasons is a major shot in the arm for a unit that boasts as much depth as it’s ever had. Their presence should only compound the impact Thibodeaux could make in his second season in defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ defense.

However, what we don’t yet know is how Thibodeaux has taken strides to round out his overall game. Known primarily for his outstanding pass rushing prowess, Thibodeaux still has strides to make as it relates to his play against the run, and perhaps even as a player who can drop into coverage and play a role in pass defense. As it relates to the latter item, Thibodeaux is a player with the frame and athleticism of a player who could see even more time at the STUD linebacker position than he did a year ago, as it only makes sense from Avalos’ perspective to see just how much you can put on the plate of a player such as Thibodeaux – particularly during the spring.

Somewhat related is the question as to how much Thibodeaux has improved his strength from last season to this season. Listed at a playing weight of 242 pounds last season, Thibodeaux is rather light for a player who plays defensive end in Oregon’s base 3-4 alignment. Of course, in the season he’s been in Eugene, it’s been evident that Avalos has done a masterful job of mixing his fronts and moving players like Thibodeaux around to take advantage of their physical gifts. Yet, few would argue that Thibodeaux’s game wouldn’t be even better if he were to add muscle mass and learn how to more effectively convert speed to power when tangling with offensive linemen.

Ultimately, the forecast heading into March is awfully sunny for Thibodeaux, the Duck defensive line, and the Oregon defense as a whole, but the next step in the evolution of the Ducks’ sophomore sackmaster should be a tantalizing development to keep tabs on as the spring unfolds.

Spring Storylines: Is Tyler Shough ready to ascend to true QB1 status?
Spring Storylines: How much might Sean Dollars’ role expand in 2020?
Spring Storylines: What can be expected from Devon Williams in year one?
Spring Storylines: Who steps up at tight end?
Spring Storylines: How does Oregon go about replacing four starters along the offensive line?

Top Photo: Oregon DL Kayvon Thibodeaux (GoDucks.com)