Oregon Ducks get a massive update from head coach Dan Lanning about potential return of defensive star
The Oregon defense has been rolling lately, all without arguably their best player in defensive end Jordan Burch, who has been out for the last three games with an undisclosed lower body injury, was off to a blazing start to the season before suffering an injury in practice.That hasn't stopped the Ducks defense from looking […]
The Oregon defense has been rolling lately, all without arguably their best player in defensive end Jordan Burch, who has been out for the last three games with an undisclosed lower body injury, was off to a blazing start to the season before suffering an injury in practice.
That hasn't stopped the Ducks defense from looking like the best defense in the country. They limited the rushing attack of Ohio State, leading to Oregon's biggest regular season win in program history, and have allowed only one touchdown in their last nine quarters of play.
The rich might be getting richer, as Ducks head coach Dan Lanning offered a huge update about the availability of Burch.
"Yeah, I think that we have guys that are questionable, that are going to be practicing with us this week," Lanning said on Monday when asked about Burch and tight end Terrance Fergusson. "Both those guys were available to practice today. We'll keep our playres' best interest in mind as we prepare for this game."
Burch is an athletic monster. Before the season began, Burch was listed at No. 4 on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List. At around 6'6" 295 lbs, Burch has a ton of flexibility, burst, and strength. At times, it still looks like he's figuring out how to use the natural tools that he was given.
His change of direction ability and motor to pursue the quarterback are elite. Despite not having played the last three games, Burch is still tied for the most sacks on the team with five, and is second on the team in pressures with 21.
If Burch is able to get back on the field for the matchup with Michigan, it would be adding a cherry to the top of a pass rush sundae. Derrick Harmon on the interior has been a massive disruptor, leading the team in pressures with 32, and Matayo Uiagalelei off the other edge shares the team lead in sacks with Burch. This front is a menace, and adding Burch back into the fold would give them yet another weapon to throw at a Michigan Wolverines offensive line that has struggled at times this season.
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