Tosh Lupoi praises Oregon defense for continued development of leadership

Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is looking for leaders among the Ducks defense. He’ll certainly need help from veteran players this fall, since, after all, Lupoi himself is a new leader around Eugene. He and the rest of head coach Dan Lanning’s staff are entering their inagural season.

So of course the defense is going to need veteran leadership presence to help oversee the coaching transition. According to the new DC, though, the leaders are already emerging for the Ducks this summer.

At a recent media gathering, Lupoi gave an update on the unit as a whole. Then explained the kind of traits he’s looking for in players.

“We need to get better everywhere, there’s no doubt. So, you know, we’re gonna address it and not just say…get better. But I think, you know, seeing our group overall and their commitment to being elite competitors.

“You know, we’ve got a bunch of guys that are committing to be mentally and physically tough. And what I’m starting to see over here after a few weeks now is the leadership start to rise. And that’s awesome because we need that, you know, and we see it through individuals and specific units. Where leadership starts to arise and people are really reacting to that.”

Lupoi takes a no-nonsense approach to leadership. He believes the guys who have their act together on and off the field will to rise to be a leader and example for everyone else.

“I think what was necessary, being a new staff, and, you know, we’re not going to really put much on the past and feedback from others. So kind of more so an open stage for anyone in that role. If you work your butt off while off of the field, then on the field you’re going to gain respect from your teammates. So putting those individuals to to be comfortable enough to lead and i think that’s what’s starting to happen here.”

Tosh Lupoi is trying to establish a culture that breeds that short of leadership at Oregon.