Oregon Has Surprise Player Standing Out At Camp

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The Oregon Ducks have one of college football's most talented defenses. 

The defensive line boasts Mateo Uiagalelei, Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington, and Teitum Tuioti. The secondary has cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. and Minnesota transfer Koi Perich.

Oregon fans might want to keep tabs on sophomore outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt. He recorded six tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble last season. Brad Crawford of CBS Sports named Wyatt as an early riser in camp for the Ducks.

"From failing to bulk up early in his career to now tipping the scales at a muscular 245 pounds, Wyatt finally looks the part as one of the Ducks' outside linebackers," Crawford wrote. 

"Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton said after Oregon's second day of fall camp that Wyatt has a chance to be an 'every-down player' this fall, which speaks to his offseason body makeover and what he's shown on the field early. That level of consistency must continue, Hampton says, to warrant extended reps at an uber-talented position group for one of the Big Ten's frontrunners."

Wyatt entered camp expecting to be featured in a rotation at edge with Tuioti. The Ducks could give him a new role that allows him to see the field more this fall.

Hampton was impressed with how Wyatt has improved his frame before camp. He showed up to camp looking to impress the coaching staff.

"He has looked great," Hampton said, via 247Sports. "He's practicing extremely hard. He has changed his body and worked extremely hard with our sports performance team, Jesse Dark, Wilson Love, and the strength staff. We are proud of his growth…

"I think he is very close (to becoming a three-down player). He is competing extremely hard. I think camp is part of what is going to show his ability to do that or not do that, but I expect him to do it. I definitely do."

The more pass-rushing talent Oregon can deploy, the better its hopes for the College Football Playoff. The defense will need fresh legs to get to elite quarterbacks in the playoff, and Wyatt could be a big part of the rotation this fall.

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