Oregon Football Spring Preview: Turning a New Leaf at Cornerback

Khyree Jackson heads to the NFL while new names should make Oregon's secondary more competitive in 2024.

The cornerback position has always been a run one to track in Eugene. In fact it's turned into one of my favorite positions on defense, so I thought: what better spot to kick off my defensive position preview?

The best cornerbacks to come through the Oregon program in recent years include some great players among the likes of Khyree Jackson, Christian Gonzalez and Deommodore Lenoir. But perhaps Oregon's biggest challenge has been establishing quality depth at the position and not having just one star lockdown defensive back. 

It's a task that's easier said than done, but it's clear the Oregon staff is taking it seriously as this year's collection of talent could see the Ducks field their strongest group in some time. Demetrice Martin has moved on to Michigan State and Rashad Wadood will take on a bigger role with the corners under defensive backs coach Chris Hampton. 

Let's take a look at some of the names to know at corner ahead of spring practice.

Jabbar Muhammad

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2023 stats: 41 solo tackles, 14 pass breakups, 3 interceptions

The Washington standout might be the transfer I'm most excited to see in 2024. he arrives in Eugene as the likely CB1 for Oregon's defense in 2024.

It might take some getting used to seeing him in the green and yellow, but Muhammad was as consistent as they come, plays with plenty of swagger and looked great against elite wide receivers all year. He's only got one season left but he's the type of player that could really take pass coverage to the next level, especially against Big Ten wide recievers.

Kameryn Alexander

Kam Alexander/Oregon Athletics

2023 stats: 32 solo tackles, 17 pass breakups, 2 interceptions

Alexander is a sneaky transfer portal addition out of UTSA, a school Oregon has ties to thanks to Will Stein and Antonio Parks. The 5-foot-11 cornerback was named defensive MVP in the Roadrunners' Frisco Bowl win over Marshall and has the elite top-end speed that Oregon's secondary really needed last year.

Like Muhammad, he only has one year of eligibility remaining, but his experience at UTSA and Sam Houston make him even more valuable to Oregon's defense.

Jahlil Florence

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

2023 stats: 21 solo tackles, 1 pass breakup, 1 interception

Florence enters his junior season at Oregon and is coming along quite nicely. His season ended with an injury he suffered leading up to the Oregon State game, but he should be 100% healthy by the time the season comes around. 

He's one of the best cover guys on the roster and has a solid blend of size and speed at 6"1", 193 pounds (per 2023 roster). The Ducks have been steadily building their depth at cornerback and he benefitted from seeing the field early as a true freshman. The arrow is pointing up for the San Diego native and he should only get better in 2024. 

Dontae Manning

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

2023 stats: 17 solo tackles, 6 pass breakups, 1 interception

Manning is the highest-rated cornerback to ever sign with Oregon coming out of high school but he hasn't really lived up to his billing. He may be the best athlete the Ducks have at his position but his ball skills have been spotty during his career.

I'm not saying any of that to criticize him, but I think Duck fans know what they have in Manning at this point. Experience never hurts at his position and maybe his interception against Oregon State was just what he needed to gain more confidence and launch him into a productive offseason.

Best of the Rest

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There's a lot of names I could hit on here but I think two other names to know among the returners are Rodrick Pleasant and Daylen Austin. Pleasant played the most between the two and his elite speed and quick twitch makes him capable of matching up well with a majority of the receivers he'll face. Austin only played in three games as a true freshman before an injury sidelined him.

Of the newcomers I'd tab JUCO standout Sione Laulea III and Dakoda Fields as a pair we could hear from sooner rather than later or at least see in the two-deep rotation. Baltimore product Ify Obidegwu also looks promising, especially after his impressive showing in Orlando at the Under Armour All-American Bowl.

I'm going to continue diving into the defensive position groups ahead of practice No. 1 on Thursday, so be sure to continue tuning in to Ducks Digest!

Projecting Oregon's Defensive Two-Deep Ahead of Spring Practice

Marcus Mariota Signing With Washington Commanders