Oregon Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

Nov 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) gets a pass off before being hit by Utah Utes defensive tackle Pasoni Tasini (59) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oregon won 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

As a true freshman last year, Troy Dye received a baptism by fire. He emerged on the other side of the season as the best player among Oregon’s linebackers. The youngster was everywhere on the field, immediately developing into a disruptive force.

Dye led all Ducks with 91 tackles (including 12 solo tackles for loss) and 6.5 sacks. He also notched an interception and blocked a field goal on special teams. And he offers prototypical size for the sort of scheme that is about to be installed.

In hiring defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt away from Colorado, the hope is that he can maximize the talents of players like Dye. After going away from a 3-4 scheme under 4-3 stalwart Brady Hoke, Leavitt will reintroduce the 3-4 to a team whose recruiting better fits that system.

Last year, Dye was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise disappointing defense. Now he will need to step up not just his production but also take on a veteran role.

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