Dan Lanning recalls working with Bryce Boettcher after being picked in MLB Draft

Oregon Duck Bryce Boettcher is the rare two-sport athlete at the D1 level in college, having played for both the football and baseball team in 2023-24. After being picked in the MLB Draft, he’s back to play both again this coming year.

On the football field, Boettcher turned in his best year in ’23. Playing primarily as a linebacker, he amassed 37 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for an Oregon team that contender for a CFP berth. Then, on the baseball diamond, he hit .276 in 2024 and smashed 12 home runs before getting picked in the MLB Draft.

The pros will wait another year, though, as Boettcher is back to play both sports at Oregon for at least another year, which Dan Lanning is thrilled about. When asked about getting him back at a recent press conference, the Oregon football coach said he was in the loop on his LB’s decision-making process.

“Yeah, it’s something we actually had conversations with, kind of before it all came full circle, about, you know, what his goals are, his aspirations,” said Lanning, who raves about Boettcher’s character.

“You get so excited for a player that does so many things right,” added Lanning. “And for those opportunities to come his way — and you know, obviously, he had an outstanding season for Waz.”

Lanning is speaking in reference to Mark Wasikowski, the Ducks’ baseball coach. Apparently, the two program leaders communicate often when it comes to managing Boettcher.

“Waz and I are able to work really well hand-in-hand together about what that looks like in the offseason,” Lanning explained. After all, one sport can be quite the burden on a student-athlete, let alone two. So you have to be careful not to burn out a player trying to balance both, especially one with Boettcher’s personality.

“Bryce is the guy that would love to go do football practice for two hours, turn around and go play a baseball game, and then go back to the weight room,” Lanning detailed. “So for the hard work that he does and how it’s played out, I’m really excited for him and excited to see what he does for us this season.”

Boettcher heads into his senior season with upside on both fields. Clearly, the MLB has their eye on him, and the minor league route will be there again next season, but perhaps he can impress NFL teams this fall as well.