Three Defensive Breakout Candidates for Oregon Football in 2024
Oregon football is just around the corner, and excitement is building as the Ducks prepare for a highly anticipated season. Ranked No. 3 in nearly every poll, the Ducks are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and today, the focus is on the defense. Here are my top three defensive breakout candidates for 2024:
3. Elijah Rushing, DE
Elijah Rushing, the top recruit from Oregon’s 2024 class, comes with big expectations as the No. 26 player and No. 3 edge rusher in his class, according to 247Sports. Despite the depth on Oregon’s defensive line, I believe Rushing can earn a spot in the regular rotation alongside players like My’Keil Gardner and Ashton Porter. He has the highest potential among the backups, and I see him showcasing that this season. ESPN even listed him as one of the top freshmen to watch in college football.
2. Jahlil Florence, CB
Jahlil Florence is a player I expected to become a star early on at Oregon. As a true freshman, he played in eight games, recording eight tackles, an interception, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. He broke out further as a sophomore with 27 tackles, two pass breakups, and a pick before an injury cut his season short by three games. Now healthy, Florence is set to start at cornerback opposite Jabbar Muhammad, and I expect him to have a standout season, potentially earning All-Big Ten honors.
1. Matayo Uiagalelei, DE
Matayo Uiagalelei, a near-five-star recruit in the 2023 class, made an immediate impact at Oregon, playing in 13 games as a true freshman. He recorded 18 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and two batted passes. Now projected as a full-time starter at defensive end, Uiagalelei is poised to become a superstar in the Big Ten, with potential All-American recognition on the horizon.
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