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Oregon Football: 5 freshman Ducks who’ll make a splash in 2019

By Justin Heisey

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: The Oregon Ducks celebrate defeating the Michigan State Spartans 7-6 in the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: The Oregon Ducks celebrate defeating the Michigan State Spartans 7-6 in the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Ge’Mon Eaford, Outside Linebacker

A loss for the Oregon Ducks that flown under the radar is the loss of Justin Hollins. Hollins led the team in 2018 in tackles for loss (14.5) and Sacks (6.5) while finishing third in total tackles (64). His leadership as a redshirt senior will surely be missed and now the Ducks will look to some youth to replace Hollins on the outside.

Ge’Mon Eaford was one of the six players that enrolled early for the Ducks and wants to earn that job right out of the gate. He has fluid movement in his hips to move side-to-side and has good enough abilities in the passing game to cover tight ends and slot receivers. His sack numbers in high school weren’t quite up to par, but he was good at making tackles in the backfield. He played standing up in high school and would fit well in Jim Leavitt’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

The one obstacle standing in the way of Eaford right now is Sophomore OLB Adrian Jackson. Jackson was the nations No. 4 Outside Linebacker in the 2018 class and had a limited role in Oregon’s defense a season ago. Jackson isn’t much of a pass-rusher either, but he has insane speed and his pass coverage and ability to tackle in space give him an edge over Eaford… For now.

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