Oregon spring football preview: Safety

Oregon is set to open spring practices on March 10. There is plenty of excitement surrounding Dan Lanning’s program, and there is no shortage of storylines related to the Ducks’ roster. In the coming days, ScoopDuck will have you covered with position-by-position previews that highlight a key returner, key newcomer, and a breakout candidate at each spot.

Next up: Safety

Previously:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs
• Wide receivers
• Tight ends
• Offensive line
• Defensive line
• Inside linebackers
• Edge rushers
• Cornerbacks

Scholarship Players

• Bryan Addison (R-Jr)
• Jeffery Bassa (Soph.)
• Daymon David (Soph.)
• JJ Greenfield (R-Soph.)
• Jamal Hill (Junior)
• Steve Stephens IV (R-Jr.)
• Bennett Williams (Senior)
• Trejon Williams (Signee)

Key Returner

Bennett Williams

With the departure of Verone McKinley III to the NFL draft, there’s a massive need for someone to step up at the safety position. Williams started off last season phenomenally, racking up 20 tackles and 3 interceptions in just 4 games. In his final game this year he snagged two interceptions against Arizona, including a 68-yard pick-six to close the game.

After suffering a broken fibula that sidelined him for the rest of the season, it quickly became apparent just how much of a cornerstone Williams was for the secondary. But after months of recovery Williams should be ready to rock and roll for spring ball.

Williams has the most experience in this group, and he’ll be looked upon to be a leader in the secondary. If health prevails, he could be in line for a massive season

Key Newcomer

Trejon Williams

The talented freshman steps into a position group where there are certainly snaps to be had. He stands in at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds. He was the No. 321 overall player in the 2022 recruiting cycle and the 26th overall safety.

Williams jumped on board in the recruiting class in March of 2021 and never looked back. While his frame may indicate that he’s more of a free-safety ballhawk, he actually plays a lot bigger than his frame suggests. He plays downhill with great closing speed and has shown on tape he’s willing to contribute in run defense.

It’s always hard for a freshman to crack into the rotation at any position, but with Oregon lacking experience at safety, there’s certainly an opportunity for a young player to step up. Only time will tell if Williams can find his way into the two-deep by the time the 2022 season kicks off. 

Breakout Candidate

Jeffrey Bassa 

Bassa did get a solid amount of snaps last year, logging snaps in 10 different games. But he’s in a perfect situation to be a true breakout candidate for the Oregon secondary. He finished last year with 39 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.

Bassa flashed his extreme athleticism and versatility in his limited snaps last year, and as the season progressed it appeared that he quickly earned the trust of the previous coaching staff. It’ll be interesting to see how Bassa fits in Dan Lanning’s defense, as he could end up in a handful of different spots on the field.

With the departures of a couple of upperclassmen, there’s a massive hole to be filled on this defense. With Bassa already flashing his potential, he’s in a prime spot to take a massive leap forward in year two.