“100 percent” Duck Defense is better this season than last

“Jeff has provided incredible leadership,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said of Bassa’s decision to return. “He knows what his piece should look like, what it should look like in the future. He knows it takes hard work to get there and he’s willing to work hard.”

This spring, Oregon's defensive coaching staff created a record for each defensive player, known as a “point of attack,” to help identify areas for improvement. For Bassa, it was the pass rush that he executed consistently, be it from the inside or as an edge blitzer, but he didn't record any sacks.

After Oregon's spring football game last Saturday, Bassa was asked if he thinks the defense is better than last season considering how many players they have to replace.

“100 percent,” Bassa said. “I think we have the right people here, derivative of some of the guys that were here on the team last year. They bring some of the same experience from the two winning teams we had the last two years we were under Coach Lanning. I think (Lanning) and all the guys are bringing the right guys that want to win and the guys that have the right attitude and want to work.”

Bassa ranked second on the Ducks with 72 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and a high PFF ranking. A big highlight of 2023 was Bassa's pick-six interception that sealed the Ducks' victory over Texas Tech Football.

Going into spring football, there were questions about the defensive line given the loss of Brandon Dorlus, Casey Rogers, Popo Auamavae and Taki Taimani. Overall, both the green and white team defenses played well with five sacks and one interception.

“If you want to win football games, you have to win up front, you know, on both sides of the ball,” Lanning said after the game. “I’m so excited about the guys we have in this group. There are some young guys who I expect to step up and take on bigger roles than last year, but also a group on both sides that we can develop further.”

Although we have limited data, all signs point to an intense pass-rush game with Jeffrey Bassa at the helm. His leadership and mentorship of his new teammates will pay dividends as the Ducks transition to the Big Ten.