The Oregon Ducks had a strange season on defense in 2008. Rarely could a team finish 5th nationally in tackles for loss (104.5), 8th nationally in sacks (38), and 11th nationally in turnovers gained (31) but still manage to end the year ranked 82nd in total defense (including 111th against the pass).

Part of the blame for the strange stat line can be placed on the explosive Oregon offense, which overwhelmed opponents early and often. Because of that, many opposing offenses had to throw the ball more frequently than normal just to stay in the game. The quick-burst scoring also led to a low time of possession, which meant the defense was spending most of the game on the field.

Although the Ducks are quite comfortable playing any team in a shootout, the D will need to tighten up a bit for Oregon to reach it’s true potential as a championship level football team.

Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti has a very talented group returning in 2009, with all-conference caliber playmakers at all three levels. The most exciting unit may be at the second level, where an extremely athletic group of linebackers should wreak havoc all season long. Many believe this could be the program’s best group of LBs in years, led by two outstanding juniors.

Junior Spencer Paysinger exploded onto the Pac-10 scene during a breakout sophomore campaign in 2008. He finished the season with 95 tackles (2nd on team), 12 tackles for loss (4th on team), two sacks, two interceptions (one for a TD in the Civil War), and six pass breakups. Rivals.com named Paysinger second-team All-Pac 10 in 2008, and he will enter this season on a variety of pre-season All-Conference teams.

At 6-3 216 pounds, Paysinger combines a rangy frame with excellent speed and athleticism. He is the quintessential playmaking linebacker, possessing an innate sense of where to be on any given play. He’s great against the run, but can also drop into coverage as naturally as a defensive back, showing great fluidity in his motion.

Paysinger’s defensive skill set is especially remarkable considering he was known as a standout receiver in high school. Although the Beverly Hills High School (CA) product was not heavily recruited (2-stars from Rivals and Scout), he showcased his promising ability during his redshirt season in 2006 by garnering scout team player of the week honors six separate times throughout the season on defense and special teams.

Despite his relatively light playing weight (216), he is one of the strongest players on the defense (Oregon Iron Club Member, combined 1,135 pounds on clean, squat, and bench lifts according to team reports).

The Los Angeles (CA) native should continue to be a force on the weakside, and will also serve as a leader on defense in 2009.

Next to Paysinger in the middle will be junior Casey Matthews. Last year, Matthews broke fall camp behind John Bacon, the senior incumbent and mainstay for two years at MLB. But by the seventh game of the season it became evident that the younger Matthews was playing at a much higher level and from that point on the job belonged to him. He finished an exceptional sophomore campaign with 67 tackles (6th on team), 13 tackles for loss (3rd on team), and two sacks.

Matthews certainly has the pedigree to achieve even more for the Ducks in 2009, as he comes from a long line of successful football players that dates back to his grandfather Clay Sr. (played at Georgia Tech) and includes his father Clay Jr. (USC, 4-time Pro-Bowler in NFL), his uncle Bruce (USC, 14-time Pro-Bowler in NFL) and his brother Clay (USC, 1st Round Pick in NFL Draft).

At 6-2 235 pounds, Matthews combines extremely sound fundamentals with a tenacious motor that never stops running. He is a run-stopping specialist who always seems to take the quickest path to the ball carrier. Matthews routinely shoots the gap, and can blow up an offensive play all by himself. More than anything, he is an instinctive player who understands how to read a play and react quickly.

The Agoura Hills (CA) native will join Paysinger in forming one of the Pac-10’s best one-two punches at linebacker.

The new starter on the strongside will be sophomore Eddie Pleasant. Pleasant is replacing two-time all-conference performer Jerome Boyd at OLB. Last season, Pleasant played sparingly and finished with 16 tackles while also contributing on special teams.

At 5-11 223 pounds, he plays with ruthless abandon and loves contact, as he has garnered a reputation for being a huge hitter in the open field.

Pleasant is one of the strongest linebackers in the unit, joining Paysinger as a member of the Oregon Iron Club, and he is also the fastest LB on the roster, running in the mid 4.4 range during off-season drills. Coaches have already hinted that Pleasant will be featured in blitzes this season, but he is also quite capable in coverage schemes.

Pleasant’s versatility should be on display throughout 2009, and the La Palma (CA) native has a great opportunity to be the final piece of this exciting linebacking corps.

Eugene is buzzing about a new Duck this season. Junior Bryson Littlejohn arrived in time for spring drills after transferring from Sierra Community College (CA). Last year, Littlejohn was a JUCO All-American and he brings a dynamic skill set to Oregon.

At 6-1 227 pounds, Littlejohn is a tremendous athlete with the tools to play at all three linebacker spots. He started spring on the weakside, but has been moved to the middle behind Matthews. While Matthews job is quite secure, Littlejohn has enough upside to warrant frequent playing time somewhere on the field.

He has tremendous speed for his size (4.5), and is especially valuable in coverage situations. Littlejohn was given 4-star recognition from Rivals.com and Scout.com. The Elk Grove (CA) native is already a junior, and should be ready to contribute immediately.

Sophomore Dewitt Stuckey will also be a top reserve for the Ducks in 2009. Stuckey was on his way to a redshirt season in 2008, but depth issues forced him into action. He played in six games appearing on special teams. At 5-11 222 pounds, Stuckey makes up for his lack of size with elite athleticism and an aggressive style. Scout.com gave him 4-star recognition, and the Stockton (CA) native is currently listed behind Paysinger on the weakside.

The lone senior LB heading into the season is Riley Showalter. The former walk-on could provide great value to the unit this season because of his ability to play all three positions. He appeared in all 13 games last season, totaling eight tackles. Showalter should excel on special teams at least, but will also be a key reserve in case injuries mount. At 6-3 225 pounds, the Portland (OR) native has good size and understands the defense well.

Two heralded true freshmen will also join the Ducks this season: Michael Clay and Bo Lokombo.

The 5-11 220 pound Clay brings an exciting skill set to Eugene. He is a punishing hitter with solid speed and agility, and he has a nose for the football. Scout.com gave him 4-star recognition and Rivals.com rated him the #3 OLB in the 2009 class. The San Jose (CA) native could redshirt, but whenever he does play, the Ducks will have an exciting new linebacker.

The 6-3 226 pound Lokombo is a raw prospect with a ton of upside. He has great size and speed, and changes direction quickly for someone his size. Like Clay, Scout.com gave Lokombo 4-stars. The Canadian native from Abbotsford B.C. may redshirt as well.

Other players competing for time are: sophomores Josh Kaddu, Brandon Hanna, and freshmen Kiko Alonso.

My Take

With all due respect to recent linebackers like John Bacon, Jerome Boyd and A.J. Tuitele (from a couple years back), this new LB unit looks like it could be SPECIAL. There are terrific athletes all over the place, and the explosiveness has got to have Ducks fans excited.

The star power will be provided by Paysinger and Matthews, who are both primed for all-conference seasons. I am especially looking forward to seeing Matthews for a full season, as he has all the tools to light up the stat sheet in 2009. I also get the feeling that Nick Aliotti and LB coach Don Pellum are excited about Pleasant’s potential on the strongside, particularly because of his blitzing ability.

The reserves have tremendous upside, and there are a ton of them. I am especially high on Littlejohn, who is too good not to play and the coaches will have to figure out a place for him.

Overall, expect the gifted linebackers to be the heart of the Ducks defense this season.

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