Oregon Ducks and Dan Lanning have hidden gem on defense who could be in for a big season replacing two players who left for the NFL
Oregon Duck’s linebacker Devon Jackson could be in store for a big season.
The Oregon Ducks will be tasked with replacing 18 starters from their 13-1 2024 team, and many starters from the defensive side of the football. With linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs off to the NFL, there is plenty of opportunity for the Ducks’ younger players to step up and earn a significant role. Junior linebacker Devon Jackson is one player poised to take advantage of this opportunity.
Jackson arrived at the Ducks in 2022 as a four-star recruit from Omaha, Nebraska. He redshirted his first year and played sparingly as a freshman in 2023. In 2024, Jackson appeared in all 14 games, making one start and recording 47 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. It was last season that Jackson began to put it together and finally showed his elite physical talent.
A raw prospect out of high school, Jackson was known for his blistering speed and explosiveness. He ran a 10.54-second 100-meter dash in high school and has been described as the team’s “fastest player” by head coach Dan Lanning. His athleticism, size, and length are outstanding, and all he needed was some time to develop the mental aspects of playing the linebacker position.
A scout who visited Eugene last fall texted me, “Jackson could pop with opportunity; he’s a freak athlete.”
Jackson is currently limited in fall camp due to an unspecified injury he suffered in the spring, but all signs point to him being ready for week one. Linebacker’s coach Brian Michalowski spoke to reporters after practice on Wednesday and gave an update on Jackson and his progress.
“It’s a physical game. There’s gonna be injuries. That’s part of it. You gotta really coach them to handle the mental adversity of it, but see the opportunity in challenges. He’s really embraced the time he had off to focus on the playbook and just be the best teammate he could be on the side as well. Increase some leadership. He hasn’t missed a beat. He’s really setting himself up for a great season this year.”
With rare speed, improved football IQ, and a prime opportunity for playing time, Jackson is expected to be one of Oregon’s top tacklers and defensive leaders this season. If he can maintain consistency, the Ducks’ linebacker corps could quickly become one of the team’s strengths.
