How good can Oregon's defensive backfield be?

Despite having struggled to contain Pac-12 aerial assaults in 2014, Oregon's secondary has long been a source of strength. Players like Jarius Byrd, T.J. Ward, Walter Thurmond, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Cliff Harris and others have come through the program and have been big difference makers for the team.

The 2015 team will have to replace Ekpre-Olomu, cornerback Troy Hill and safety Erick Dargan, meaning it would seem as though the Ducks may have an even tougher time slowing down opposing passing games this upcoming season.

However, ESPN's Chantel Jennings recently dove into the state of the Pac-12 North defensive backs and her conclusion of Oregon's secondary was that it was in "good shape". Here is her full analysis:

"We're in a will-he-or-won't-he waiting phase with Charles Nelson at Oregon. Will he play defense? Or will he play offense? Will he also play special teams? Or will Oregon's utility man just decide it's about time he throws his hat into the QB battle ring? (That last one was a joke unless it really happens and then, you heard it here first...) At safety, the Ducks should be fine with Tyree Robisnon and Reggie Daniels. 

Cornerback Chris Seisay acquired good experience last season. But that other CB spot seems to be a rotating door of inexperience and question marks. This group could be a big strength for the Ducks if everyone stays healthy, but if any of those top three players goes down, the drop from the first-string to the second-string in terms of experience is pretty steep. At the final CB spot, it's inexperience everywhere. Even so, Oregon has enough talent across the board to make the Pac-12 Blog feel pretty good about this group."

(h/t ESPN)

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