Everybody knows the Oregon Ducks are an offensive juggernaut, but their defense is often underrated and/or unfairly maligned. 2013 may be the year that the defense starts getting a bit of credit, however. Not only is the secondary looking good, but the defensive line is shaping up to be scary.
The line will be anchored by Taylor Hart, who lead the team with eight sacks last year as well as finishing second on the team with eleven tackles for loss. He’s also experienced, having stated 26 games over the past two season. His fellow starters will be Wade Keliikipi and Ricky Havili-Heimuli.
The lineman that have fans most excited, though, are Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. Both were highly touted recruits coming out of high school and — at 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-7, respectively — both possess the same kind of freakish athletic ability Dion Jordan displayed. Neither received tons of playing time in 2012, but both have the potential to wreck havoc on defenses in 2013.
Long-time defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti spoke about the talent on his line:
"I’m not going to anoint anybody the best this, or the best that, but if our guys play the way they are capable of playing, we will be very, very good up front. I don’t ever like to say that until it’s all over with, but you look at the guys … all of them played for us last year and played well. (Oregon Live)"
Fine, Nick, if you won’t stir the hyperbole pot, I will. If the defensive line plays to its full potential, this team has the ability to be one of the best ever at Oregon. Now if the Ducks could just get that kicking game in order…
[Source: Oregon Live]