Devon Jackson Ready to Make a Leap for Oregon Defense in 2024

Oregon’s linebackers are one of the more interesting position groups to examine on the 2024 roster. Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs look like they’re locked into starting roles, but the depth behind them is exciting, even if it’s a bit unproven.

On Tuesday linebacker Devon Jackson met with reporters following fall camp practice to discuss his growth and outlook for the 2024 season. Below you’ll find a transcription of some of his key quotes, as well as some of my analysis.

Question: Dan said he’d seen you start to play fast in the right direction. Do you feel that you’re getting that way this fall camp?

Jackson: “Yes sir. I feel like I’m really confident in my ability in this scheme, in this defense, how they want me to play. It’s really come to life this year and I can’t wait to show it.”

Question: What changed? What was the biggest change for you in being able to play fast?

Jackson: “Honestly just trying to learn from everybody else in the room. Honing in on what I really need to do. Really just locking in and like I said I feel like I’m ready.”

Question: How much does a guy like Jeff (Bassa) helped with you said kind of learning from the guys in the room. What kind of example has he been to learn from?

Jackson: “It’s not just Jeff but it’s really everybody in the room. (I’m) Trying to learn around that I’ve been around since I’ve gotten here. But Jeff’s really helped me to take notes and really how to watch the film from a linebacker’s perspective. In high school I’m not gonna lie I never really did that, I was just talented.”

Question: What has having the in-helmet communication been like and how has it helped?

Jackson: “It’s weird. You never really had that and you hear a coach talking to you on the field. But at the end of the day I feel comfortable in what I know and comfortable playing in the defense so for me just trusting what I know and what I see and just go from there.”

Question: What do you feel you’re able to provide this room this year? What do you think you can offer?

Jackson: “Speed. I feel no one else can do what I do in the country. I feel like I truly am one of the fastest if not the fastest linebacker in the nation.”

Torres’ Take

The hype continues to build around Devon Jackson, and I’ll be the one to say that it feels like it’s been building for a while. So I’m excited to see just how special he can be in 2024, because I’ve also talked to some sources around the program that have spoken very highly about him this offseason and how special his movement is.

If Jackson is as talented and ready as both he and the staff believes him to be, the Ducks could be looking at a luxury in their two-deep. If he can tap into more of his potential, he’d probably be a starting caliber player at a lot of other schools.

I’m not sure if I have a direct example to compare it to, but just listening to Jackson speak on Tuesday you can tell he’s carrying himself with some real confidence. I’m ready to see him play with some swagger and have that transfer to the field with the rest of the defense.