Bryce Boettcher Talks Focusing on Football, Last Spring at Oregon

After winning the Burlsworth Trophy recognizing the top player who began his college career as a walk-on, Oregon senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher chose to run it back one more time with the Ducks in 2025.

He’s the most experienced linebacker on the Ducks this spring and he’ll help Brian Michalowksi usher in a younger group of backers following the departures of Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs.

Boettcher met with reporters in Eugene following Tuesday’s practice, which marked the third of fifteen spring practices for Oregon.

Below are some of his top quotes.

On why he returned for another season

Boettcher: “I love my Ducks. I love my hometown and if I had another year of eligibility and didn’t use it I feel like I’d regret it down the road. Nowadays in college football it’s oftentimes beneficial to do that, so that’s why I did it.”

On balancing football/baseball this spring

Boettcher: “It’s definitely 100% football focused right now and just developing myself as a football player. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been hitting a little bit, watching the team play and not being a part of it. I still get in the cages ’cause I miss it. But yeah, solely football focused right now.”

On if he feels more leadership placed on his shoulders

Boettcher: ” Yeah, certainly. Like you said there’s a lot of young guys, not as many old ones compared to last year. I don’t think it’s a weight. I try to just be myself, same leader I was last year as I’ll be this year. Maybe I’ll try to be a little more vocal. But I like to lead by example and I think that’s what I’ll do this year.”

On impact of focusing on football for spring, weight gain

Boettcher: “This offseason, it was like my first winter that I haven’t been doing baseball, where usually I drop about ten pounds for baseball season. I’ve put on about ten pounds, so I’m sitting around 230 right now. Which I think is great. if I’m able to move and do everything I can at 230, that would just be beneficial to me. Just developing as a football player whether it’s in the weight room and mentally in the film room. I have more time to spend watching film which is great.”

On who’s stood out in spring ball

Boettcher: “It’s a little early. Today was the first day of pads, so it’s really hard to tell. But Dillon Thieneman, just the way, not even football the way he goes about his work. Whether it’s getting treatment, watching film, he’s incredible. Ify, one of our corners, I know he was here last year, but he’s been a freak and I’ve always liked the way he brings it every single day at practice and been impressive. Bear Alexander too, he’s attacked it and the way he gets off the line of scrimmage is impressive.”

On how he keeps a chip on his shoulder entering this season after a strong year in 2024

Boettcher: “Couple things. Whether you may see it or not there’s definitely some young guys and some transfers in this program that are looking to take my spot. I hope they do everything in their power to do it because it’s gonna make me better. With that being said, It’s like I’m also fighting with other older heads, older linebackers around the country to be the best linebacker in the nation. That’s the way I see it. I wasn’t perfect last year. Our room wasn’t perfect, so just striving to become better and pushing everyone. I’ve tried to find little nuggets throughout my day. Whether it’s someone talking crap to me—just anyhting I can find to fuel myself and just have that walk-on mentality.”

On playing with Dillon Thieneman:

Boettcher: “Professionalism is the perfect way to put it. Like this morning, I was in the treatment room at 5:50. He was already in the tub, shirt off, warming up. I’m like ‘dude, did you go practice already?’ He’s about it on and off the field. He’s one of a kind from what I’ve seen so far. So I’m excited to see what he can do in pads and what he can do to help our team.”