Once again we return to the defensive side of the ball in our continuing series. the Oregon defense plays much more of a 3-4 hybrid with a “drop end” like Dion Jordan leaving the defense with three pure linebackers in the “Will,” “Sam,” and “Mike” positions. Though only one of the positions are a true outside linebacker, today’s article will not break down the positions in this manner. We have already looked at the middle linebacker position in an earlier article leaving today’s topic: outside linebacker.
Looking at the number of offers that Duck coaches have out to players listed at outside linebacker in the Rivals database, it is clear that the coaches are looking at the position as a priority. Currently there are five listed offers for the position which is the second most current offers at any position (offensive tackle leads with six).
Status: Offered, Medium Interest
Overview: There are plenty of superlatives that can be tossed around when referring to Hutchings. HE is a four-star recruit ranked fourth at his position and 17th best player in the nation. He has been selected for the Army All-American game. As most Duck Sports Authority readers are already aware Hutchings also plays for the storied football powerhouse De La Salle in Northern California.
Strengths: You don’t get ranked as one of the top twenty players in the nation without a lot of strengths in your game. The first, and most important strength is that he has great speed to go along with his 6-2, 210 pound frame. He uses his speed to his advantage in coverage. He is very good in zone coverage and has also shown good ball skills in man coverage. In run support, he has a good feel for the offense and flows with the play very well.
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| Michael Hutchings of De La Salle is a top target for Duck coaches |
Weaknesses: When you are ranked as highly as Hutchings, there are not many weaknesses on which we can focus. The main thing that sticks out on film is that he has a tendency to tackle “high” at times. He gets away with it in high school, but in the Pac-12 those tackle attempts may lead to big gains by the stronger running backs. He looks like he needs to work a little on strength as well.
DSA Odds:…