Like the Oregon offense, the Duck defense has most of its two-deep back. But still, they have four starters to replace in 2018 leaving some serious holes to fill.

Upfront the key loss was Henry Mondeaux. Mondeaux started up front for the Ducks in 31 games during his career, including every game the last two seasons. Not only was he one of the anchors of the defensive line, he was also a local guy from Jesuit High School in Portland, which is something Duck fans always appreciate. He was eighth on the team with 45 tackles, third on the team in sacks with five.

Elijah George will also be graduating. He played in 23 games including one start during his career. Last season, George appeared in 10 games, making 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Jordan Scott and Jalen Jelks will be returning and are both expected to start in the Ducks’ three-man front.

To replace George and Mondeaux, the Ducks have a few interesting options including sophomore Austin Faoliu and junior Drayton Carlberg. Faoliu showed promise as a true freshman last season getting the start for the first two games of the season while Mondeaux recovered from injury. Carlberg participated in 13 games last season. Sophomore Hunter Kampmoyer could also contribute after appearing in 12 games in 2017.

Junior College transfer Sione Vea Kava will also be getting a serious look from the Oregon coaching staff.

Jake’s Take: This unit graded out quite well in 2017 and it is possible they will be as good next season. The Ducks will not be able to replace Mondeaux’s experience and production immediately, but should be able to find somebody to fill the void. Jordon Scott was solid in the middle as a true freshman and should be better next season. Jalen Jelks has a chance to be dominant. Overall the defensive line should be as good as last season.

The middle of the Ducks defense will be missing one significant player, Mike linebacker Jimmie Swain. Swain started a total of 12 games during his career including six in each of the last two seasons. He had a few monster games this last year including a 13-tackle beauty against Washington. He finished last season second on the team with 65 tackles.

The Ducks do return three out of the four starters from last years’ team including senior Justin Hollins and juniors Troy Dye and Lamar Winston. The trio was first, fifth and sixth on the team in tackles last season.

Sophomore Sampson Niu and senior Kaulana Apelu are the prime candidates to replace Swain, with true freshmen Andrew Johnson and Adrian Jackson also in the mix.

Jake’s Take: It is very possible that Oregon will be improved at linebacker next season with three of four starters returning. Those three have a chance to be outstanding. With so many athletes competing for that fourth spot, somebody good is sure to emerge.

The Ducks will be replacing two of their starters on the back end of the defense for 2018. Arrion Springs started 30 games during his career and Tyree Robinson started 34 games. That is a lot of experience to replace. Springs had 42 tackles, an INT, 18 pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 2017. Robinson added 48 tackles, 2 INT’s and five pass breakups.

Starters senior Ugo Amadi and sophomore Thomas Graham will return with Graham manning one of the corners and Amadi playing either corner or safety.

The Ducks do have some very good choices to replace Springs and Robinson. At safety sophomores Nick Pickett and Billy Gibson both have big upside and at cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has a chance to be excellent.

Jake’s Take: Losing two of four starters in a unit normally would be recipe for a backslide. Yes, Springs and Robinson were experienced veterans who made big contributions. But the future is exciting in the defensive backfield. Pickett or Gibson could prove to be the answer at safety, or perhaps even a newcomer like freshmen Steve Stephens or Jevon Holland could make a run at it. Lenoir may prove to actually be an improvement at cornerback before the season is over. Junior college transfer Haki Woods should give Lenoir some competition as well.