Oregon Ducks

Ducks feel confident about outside linebackers

Published Aug. 27, 2015 3:54 p.m. ET

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Senior linebacker Tyson Coleman was expected to be, and still will likely be, Oregon's starting outside linebacker. However, the position is so deep right now that he's been pushed for his job by two younger Ducks.

"It's not an indictment of Tyson," said Erik Chinander, entering his second season as UO's outside linebackers coach, according to Andrew Greif of The Oregonian. "Tyson has actually raised his level of play. French has just been playing really, really well and Torrodney is playing really, really well. We're in a good spot. ... I would say they're fighting (for the job) right now."

Of course, there is no need to be concerned for Coleman. The Ducks regularly rotate through 25 defensive players per game.

Chinander is not concerned at all about finding playing time for any of his linebackers and seems to be excited about the potential of the group to be difference makers on the field.

"This crew of guys we have, especially Frenchie and Torrodney, they're really good pass rushers," Chinander said. "I'd like to turn them loose a little more."

As for Ivan Faulhaber, the walk-on from Sheldon High School in Eugene, Chinander really likes what he's seen so far.

"He's done awesome," Chinander said. "He's exceeded expectations and will keep getting better. I would have no issue putting him in a game right now."

(h/t The Oregonian)