Oregon Football: 5 things to watch in 2019 spring game

1. How will defense fare under new coordinator Andy Avalos?

When Jim Leavitt opted to leave Eugene after two seasons as the defensive coordinator, it looked like the Ducks had taken a step back on that side of the ball. After finishing in the top 50 last season in both scoring defense and rushing yards allowed, losing Leavitt would appear at first glance to be a damper on Oregon’s hopes to return to the top of the conference.

But in the end they very well might have landed themselves an upgrade at the position, nabbing highly-touted Boise State defensive coordinator Andy Avalos to take over the role. Avalos brings a different defensive philosophy to Eugene than the one implemented by Leavitt.

While last year’s defense almost exclusively relied on three-man fronts, both in 3-4 and 3-3-5 looks, the new system employed by Avalos will offer even more flexibility. They have employed both three- and four-man fronts this spring, utilizing more stand-up defensive end play to provide more options that can confuse opponents.

In the spring game, fans will especially want to keep an eye on which players step up in the “Stud” role as hybrid linebacker/ends. If the Ducks can find several players to fill this role successfully, it will go a long way toward keeping the defense performing at a high level under their new coordinator.