Brandon Dorlus wants Oregon's defense to have opponents 'shaking in their shoes'

The Oregon Ducks are looking to improve on last season’s results. In head coach Dan Lanning‘s first year, the Ducks finished the season 10-3 with a victory over North Carolina in the Holiday Bowl. This year, Oregon is looking to be more impactful on the defensive side of the ball. Even more so, Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus wants their defense to have opposing offensive linemen ‘shaking in their shoes.’

“I feel like just by walking the field, we should have that type of presence that offensive linemen are shaking in their shoes,” said Dorlus. “I don’t want nobody to feel like they could just run all over us like how did they last year. The biggest goal this year is to be a dominant defense; be the number one defense in the nation. So, that’s how I’m feeling.”

The Ducks’ defense was helter-skelter last year. In some contests, like their victory over the Utah Utes, the defense played excellent — allowing 17 points in that contents on their way to a 20-17 win. However, in other matchups, like their end-of-the-season rivalry game against Oregon State, the Ducks defense was MIA. In the Civil War rivalry matchup, Oregon lost to their in-state rival 38-34, allowing the Beavers to run all over them for 268 yards and five touchdowns. Had it not been for that loss, the Ducks could very well been in the Pac-12 championship game.

Lanning discusses contract extension, long-term commitment to Oregon

Oregon has the talent to make Dorlus’ dream into a reality, and they have one of the best defensive minds in college football heading the program in Lanning. And the Oregon brass is fully aware of what they have in their headman. That is why Lanning and the Ducks have agreed to a contract extension. Oregon signed him to a contract extension in late July, keeping him in Eugene through the 2028 season. An impressive move for the program, especially with Pac-12 conference realignment ongoing.

From the moment Lanning came over from Georgia, he made things clear. He wanted to be the head coach at Oregon and to this day, he cannot believe the opportunity is ahead of him. Being able to lock down his future in a place he loves was a big deal for Lanning.

“As you coach, all you really want to focus on is being at a place where you can win and raise your family,” Lanning said. “Since the day I got here, it’s been no secret I wanted to be here. I’m thrilled about the opportunity that was given to me to become the head coach at Oregon. It means a lot to me, I never take it for granted. Wak