Oregon Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Defensive Backs
Starting safeties: Brady Breeze, Brenden Schooler, Mattrell McGraw
Backups: Khalil Oliver, Juwaan Williams, Fotu Leiato
Oregon looks like it will return to its past glories under the new coaching staff in at least one way. Under Nick Aliotti, the Ducks defense often played five defensive backs. Players such as Jairus Byrd, T.J. Ward, and Patrick Chung excelled when allowed the freedom to read opponents from the defensive backfield. Jim Leavitt will look to return to five-back looks on a regular occasion after the Brady Hoke 4-3 experiment ended prematurely.
That should allow Brenden Schooler to emerge as an even bigger force. As a true freshman, Schooler started in 10 games last season and led the team with four interceptions. Alongside teammates such as Brady Breeze and Mattrell McGraw, who both impressed this spring, Schooler could evolve into one of the best safeties in the Pac-12.
Starting cornerbacks: Arrion Springs, Thomas Graham Jr.
Backups: Ugo Amadi, Tyree Robinson
Oregon’s passing defense suffered greatly in 2016 as young players adjusted to increased playing time. Seniors Arrion Springs and Tyree Robinson are the most veteran cornerbacks returning this season. But Leavitt and his staff might end up turning toward a younger face to start against Pac-12 passing attacks.
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That player is Thomas Graham Jr., the sixth-rated corner in the 2017 recruiting class. Graham chose the Ducks over every other Pac-12 school as well as national powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma. He looked great in spring practices, though Ugo Amadi also performed strongly this spring. Both could potentially supplant their more veteran teammates.