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 /

5 of 5

Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks safety Brenden Schooler (43) tackles Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Timmy Hernandez (18) at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Like Dye, Brenden Schooler was also given an immediate role on defense as a freshman. And like Dye, he was one of the few bright spots on defense during an otherwise disappointing year. Schooler was the only player on the Ducks with more than one interception, finishing his first year with four. He ranked third on the team in total tackles, serving as a last line of defense on an Oregon secondary that was 113th nationally in passing yards allowed.

This is the first year that Schooler will get to participate in spring practices with the Ducks, as he only received a scholarship offer last june. The big question is how Schooler will be employed on the field by Leavitt.

Schooler is sound positionally and covers ground by reading the angles properly and getting a jump on his opponent. That could help Leavitt focus on improving the rest of the secondary in this first season of rebuilding in Eugene.

Home/Oregon Ducks