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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Defensive Player of the Year

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•10/03/23
On3 image
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

We are on to our second round table of the bye week. With our season already 1/3 of the way behind us, who has been Oregon’s best defensive player thus far? Well unlike yesterday with the offense, we have a lot of varying opinions on this one.

Check out the picks below and let us know who your pick is for defensive MVP thus far.

Jarrid Denney: Evan Williams

Throughout the offseason, Oregon’s players and coaches constantly talked about their ambition to become a defense that is ‘feared and respected.’

No player has done more to help that cause than Evan Williams, who has brought a physicality to the Ducks’ defense that was sorely missing last season. Williams ranks third among Oregon defenders with 15 tackles and is tied for first with seven assisted tackles despite only having played in four games. He’s been good in coverage and even better in run scenarios. During the Week 4 win over Colorado, he was a one-man wrecking crew. While several players have contributed to Oregon’s defensive improvement this season, I think Williams has been the catalyst. 

Joel Gunderson: Khyree Jackson

I was tempted to go with Evan Williams, who has been a revelation in the pass rush, but no one player has changed the view of Oregon’s defense more than Jackson. Yes, the entire pass rush has evolved and made the back seven’s life easier, but what Jackson does is immeasurable.

Blanket coverage? Check. Instincts? Check. Sure-fire tackling? Check. Uncoachable size? Check.

Jackson, and to a slightly lesser extent, Jahlil Florence, have erased all concerns over losing Christian Gonzalez to the NFL. A significant tip of the cap to Coach Meat, Hampton, Lupoi, all of them; coaching matters. But sometimes, you need a dude to be a dude. And Jackson is a DUDE.

If he stays healthy (please, God), Oregon’s matchups against high-powered offenses for the remainder of the season feel much less scary.

Doug Scott: Brandon Dorlus

Brandon Dorlus is the best player on what is one of the most improved defenses in the country. He doesn’t always show up and flashy or splashy as some of the DBs, LBs, or edge rushers but he’s there every game doing all the little (and big) things that make this defense click.

Corpatty: Taki Taimani

I’m sure this one will surprise most people, but on a much-improved defense Taimani has been the backbone.  Not only has he graded out among the best interior defensive linemen in the country per PFF, but opposing coaches like TT coach Joey McGuire have specifically singled him out as being elite, dominant and game-changing.  So I’m going with Taimani, who doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

Jhop: Khyree Jackson

Man this one was tough. And I agree with all of the picks on this list. It’s a testament to the defense and the improvements made. But for me it’s going to be Khyree. His ability to limit big plays from receivers has been and will be pivotal for Oregon. He’s got a chance to really make himself some NFL money on the back end of this season.

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