Oregon Football: 5 reasons the Ducks will contend in 2019

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks congratulates Cyrus Habibi-Likio #33 after he scored a touchdown against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

4. Experienced secondary

As young players like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Isaac Slade-Matautia emerge in the front-seven, it is the defensive backfield that is littered with experienced players who are entering their prime.

Last season, this unit had to replace two starters and three backups. That meant a ton of playing time for several young players.

Safety Nick Pickett was one of the players to benefit, playing in thirteen games as a sophomore.

It was freshman free safety Jevon Holland who really shined in the back end. He had 42 tackles and intercepted five balls in his first season.

The two cornerbacks have started in every year of eligibility. Both Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir are juniors, and both will be third-year starters.

With a playmaking front end, and a reliable back end, this will be a complete defense in 2019.

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