Phil Steele names 13 Oregon Ducks to preseason All-Pac-12 teams
Earlier this month, Phil Steele released his preseason All-Pac-12 teams and the Oregon Ducks were well-represented.
In total, Steele named 13 Oregon players to his first, second, third, and fourth all-conference teams — including three first-team selections.
Here’s a rundown of which Ducks made the cut for Steele.
First Team
RB Bucky Irving
DE Brandon Dorlus
CB Khyree Jackson
Second Team
WR Troy Franklin
K Camden Lewis
Third Team
QB Bo Nix
TE Terrance Ferguson
S Evan Williams
KR Kris Hutson
OL Josh Conerly
Fourth Team
DT Popo Aumavae
DE Jordan Burch
PR Tez Johnson
Pair of Oregon Ducks land on Phil Steele’s preseason All-American teams
Additionally, Steele has listed Nix as a preseason fourth-team offensive all-American and Dorlus as a fourth-team defensive selection.
During his debut campaign with the Ducks last fall, Nix produced one of the greatest statistical seasons ever by an Oregon quarterback. He finished the year 294-for-409 passing (71.9%) for 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also ran for 510 yards on 89 carries (5.7 yards-per-carry) and 14 touchdowns.
His completion percentage was the best single-season mark in Oregon history and ranked second nationally in 2022.
Nix’s 14 rushing touchdowns were the most in the nation for a quarterback.
During the offseason, Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham left Eugene to become the next head coach at Arizona State.
To replace him, Dan Lanning opted to hire former UTSA OC Will Stein for the same role.
While speaking with reporters in April, Nix said he and Stein quickly forged a strong bond. His first conversation with Stein was a big factor in his decision to return to Oregon for the 2023 season.
“At the time, I still didn’t know my decision yet. So after that conversation, I knew we got a good one,” Nix said. “Seeing him in person and getting to hear his thoughts and see what he likes from the passing game, run game, and different auxiliary stuff — it’s just fun talking and learning ball with guys like that.
“We’re like-minded, smart, and good guys who want to have success.”
Last season, Dorlus tallied 39 tackles, a career-high 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
His 40 quarterback hurries were tied for the eighth-most in the nation and ranked fourth in the Pac-12.
While speaking with reporters this spring, Oregon coach Dan Lanning was asked what areas he has seen Dorlus improve upon since the end of last season.
“Playing with better pad level, using his hands consistently better understanding,” Lanning said. “I think he did a good job of assessing, ‘Okay, here’s what my film said last year, and here are the things that I can tweak to get there.’ So, some technical things that he’s been able to improve and then just his overall compete.
There’s an expectation for him, and really all those guys, that can play along the front for us to play to a certain level.”
