Versatility of Ducks' defensive backs presents plenty of options in secondary

Oftentimes, implementing a new defensive scheme can be a difficult, laborious process for coaches and players alike.

Oregon’s defensive backs, though, present a unique situation. Loaded with versatile, adaptable players who are capable of lining up all over the secondary, the Ducks have plenty of options for how to deploy their cornerbacks and safeties in order to exploit matchups.

For first-year cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin, that type of positional fluidity is a dream come true.

“Oh, it’s exactly what you want,” Martin said. “Just guys being able to plug and play anywhere.”

The Ducks undoubtedly have a difficult task on their hands as they search for two new starting cornerbacks following the departures of Mykael Wright and DJ James, as well as a starting field safety following the departure of All-American Verone McKinley III.

But in Bennett Williams, Dontae Manning, Trikweze Bridges and a host of others, Martin and the rest of Oregon’s defensive staff have a moldable group that is brimming with upside.

“It’s funny when you start talking about (defensive backs) and what we want our guys to be able to do, you’re not looking for guys who can only do one thing. You’re looking for guys who can do multiple things,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “So, Trikweze having the ability to cover man, in the slot, or even being able to paly press at times at corner and then have blitz ability, coverage ability, the speed to get to get to the middle of the field — it’s something we look for at all positions.”

Aside from incoming sophomore Christian Gonzalez being a fairly safe bet to lock down one of the outside corner spots, there isn’t necessarily a consensus on where Oregon’s top defensive backs will be deployed.

“As of right now, because of the new terminology and the new scheme, and the new technique, guys are slowly learning field and boundary corner right now,” Martin said. “Then we’ll progress into guys playing the star position or maybe playing boundary or free safety.”

Lanning said Williams has been working at both star and safety during the spring, which very much matches his vision of Oregon’s players possessing positional versatility. Lanning called Williams a “smart” player, and Martin echoed that sentiment in a separate interview.

“One of the first things that shows is his communication skills,” Martin said of Williams. “He’s very communicative out there on the field, so he comforts the younger guys by reassuring what coverage and what technique they’re in. So, that’s always a blessing to have, especially as a corner, when you’ve got your safety barking at you.”

Early enrollee and 4-star signee Jahlil Florence will also have a role to play. He was repping with Oregon’s second unit last week during a portion of practice that was open to reporters — although Lanning made sure to note that no first, second, or third units are set I’m stone at this point.

Lanning said the goal is simply to get Florence as many reps as possible.

Steve Stephens IV and Daymon David will eventually make healthy returns and factor in. Jamal Hill could play a number of different positions, and Bryan Addison has had a bright spring thus far. Avante Dickerson and Darren Barkins will be counted on, too.

However, ultimately finding out where Manning fits best for the Ducks will be one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the defense between now and September. Lanning said the former 5-star signee is working primarily at cornerback at this point, but like so many other aspects of the Ducks’ secondary, that situation is fluid.

“Today we did some drills where we threw corners inside,” Lanning said. “We’ve done multiple things. The more they can handle, the more we’re going to throw at them.”