DEPTH CHART

SPRING PROJECTION

Reviewing Oregon's 2016 season and looking ahead to spring drills., So.;, Jr.;, Sr.;, RFr.;, Fr., Jr.;, RFr.;, Jr.;, RFr., So.;, So.;, Sr.;, So.;, Jr., Fr.;, Jr.;, RFr.;, Fr.;, RFr.;, Fr.: After struggling through 2015, the good news was that Oregon's secondary returned largely intact for 2016. While that portended improvement, the UO backfield struggled along with the rest of the defense while adjusting to a new scheme in the recently completed season. Once again, coaches did midseason tinkering with the lineup in an effort to identify the best foursome; true freshmanemerged as a regular at safety along with sophomore, withshifting down to corner for the second year in a row, andbeating out his close friendat the other corner spot. Springs still led the team in passes defended with 12, double the totals for Amadi and Robinson. Schooler showed signs of becoming an Erick Dargan-type ballhawk, intercepting four passes; nobody else had more than one.: At corner, the Ducks leaned heavily on their three regulars.andfilled out the travel squad, but Robinson, Springs and Amadi got the lion's share of the playing time. It was a different story at safety. Veteransandbegan the season atop the depth chart, before injuries and some inconsistent play opened the door for Schooler, Oliver andandbounced between the travel squad and scout team over the course of the season.: Prior to the season, coaches were consideringfor playing time in the secondary and on special teams. A minor knee injury late in preseason camp changed their thinking, and he redshirted. But Breeze proved himself in practice to be a fearless hitter, and he was a thorn in's side as a scout-team safety, regularly picking off passes. Another in-state prospect,, was sidelined all season by a shoulder problem.andfilled out the scout-team rotation., Jr.;, So.;, So.;, RFr., Sr.;, Sr.;, Sr.;, So., Jr.;, RFr.;, Jr.;, Sr.;, So., So.;, Sr.;, Jr.;, So.;, RFr.: For the second year in a row, the Ducks welcome back a ton of experience in the secondary. But those defensive backs will also be playing in their third defense in three years, a potential barrier to significant improvement. The new position coach will have three corners with significant Pac-12 experience for two spots, a nice luxury assuming Amadi, Robinson and Springs play up to their potential. Overall it's a group that could stand to be more physical, which makes Breeze a guy to watch during spring practices. Like Leiato, Breeze isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and hit someone, and he's got coverage skills too. It's not hard to envision Schooler as the playmaker in center field and Breeze as the enforcer underneath for Oregon's secondary for years to come.