Bennett Williams highlights what Evan Williams will bring to Oregon's defense in 2023

When asked which of the players on Oregon’s current roster he’s most excited to watch next season, former Ducks’ defensive back Bennett Williams gave a slight smile before responding.

“There’s a kid with the last name Williams,” he quipped.

That, of course, would be Evan Williams, the younger brother of Bennett, who spent the past four seasons starring at Fresno State before opting to transfer to Oregon during the offseason.

During his time with the Bulldogs, Evan flashed an exciting mix of physicality and football IQ while lining up all over the field. According to PFF, he played 251 snaps at free safety, 196 at box safety, and 91 at nickel corner last fall.

His utilization within Fresno State’s defense and statistical production is similar to what Bennett Williams accomplished with the Ducks in 2022.

In that sense, Evan is a near-perfect replacement for his brother — and his ceiling within Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi’s scheme could be even higher, according to Bennett.

“He comes in with a lot of experience already, a real smart player that you can plug and play in a couple of different positions,” Bennett said. “Hard worker and leader type of guy that I think earned his respect pretty quickly by working. He’s just a really heady guy. Really smart. So he can control things from the back end.

“I think that helps a lot with coach Lanning and coach Lupoi, what they want to do with this defense. Gives them some freedom to call some different stuff and put in some different schemes.”

In 10 games with the Bulldogs last season, Williams tallied 69 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and four pass deflections. One season earlier, he racked up 90 tackles and intercepted three passes.

During his final season with the Bulldogs, Williams was listed at 6-foot-1, 194 pounds. Much like his brother, he has a track record as a sure tackler and steady run defender.

The additions of Evan, former Ole Miss safety Tysheem Johnson, and former Alabama corner Khyree Jackson will provide the Ducks with an influx of experience and versatility, which could be key in helping them improve after last year’s struggles defending the pass.

“I’m excited for him to be on a bigger stage to be able to come in and play,” Evan Williams said. “I know he’s going to love this team; he already does. Just the way that they can connect and love the coaches — the whole atmosphere.

“I think he’s gonna really enjoy it. I’m happy for him. I’m excited for a big year for him.”

Bennett Williams anticipates breakout 2023 seasons for several Ducks

Aside from his brother, Bennett Williams highlighted Bryan Addison, Jeffrey Bassa, Donate Manning, and Jamal Hill as Ducks who could be poised for big 2023 seasons.

Addison excelled in a deep safety role last season and gradually saw more playing time as the season went on.

“I think (Addison’s) athleticism and abilities are definitely off the charts. I think he’s really finding that spark, that hunger to learn and get it all down — to pour himself into football. … He’s one I’m really excited to watch.”

Manning and Hill were frequently leaned on at cornerback and safety, respectively, and will both be in the mix for starting jobs this season.

“Jamal, just the way he works. … and Dontae, the sky is the limit for him,” Williams said. “Still just kind of young but he’s getting there. Sometimes it takes just one year and then you see them take a crazy jump.”

Bassa played 647 snaps — the fifth-most of any Duck — and finished second on the team with 52 tackles.

“Bassa is just a leader,” Williams said. “He’s developing. He works so hard nad he’s just gonna keep developing, whatever positions they ask him to play.