Oregon Football: Ducks' Defensive Studs the Pac-12 Should Fear

Oregon fans everywhere are arguing over "Bennett vs. Mariota," Duck uniform combinations, or which incoming freshmen have a chance to start.

However, my readers—The Trueblue Duckies—know that what is really important in 2012 is defense. In particular, how Oregon's experienced defenders will play.

The Ducks have some major forces returning on defense to lead the way, but there are some questions:

Will they play up to their full potential? Will John Boyett (John Boyett for Heisman) truly have a Heisman-quality season? Will Kiko Alonso have a trouble-free summer? Will Arik Armstead learn quickly? Will the depth that most of us are drooling over really materialize?

This 2012 Ducks defense will be the best Oregon has fielded in years. The rest of the Pac-12 should be very afraid.

Here's why.

Kiko Alonso, LB

The defensive MVP of the 2012 Rose Bowl was junior linebacker Kiko Alonso. His interception of a Russell Wilson pass at the Wisconsin 34—only Wilson's fourth interception all year—was huge for the Ducks and may have been the difference in the game. It certainly shifted the momentum of the game.

Alonso also had a key sack in the second quarter when the Badgers were 4th-and-1. It was so beautiful it brought me out of my seat and high in the air, depositing my adult beverage in another row. Amid the cheers all around us, no one cared.

Now a senior, coaches and fans alike expect Alonso to fulfill his early promise. That early promise was delayed by two run-ins with the law, both involving alcohol. Alonso missed all of the 2010 season and part of 2011.

My guess is the Oregon fans won't remember that when he's introduced on Sept. 1 at Autzen. They will remember his sterling play at the Rose Bowl and Alonso will receive a thunderous ovation.

In an excellent article by The Oregonian's Lindsay Schnell following the Rose Bowl (we liked her Ducks' reporting—can we have her back, O?), Alonso's teammate Terrell Turner said: "We always knew Kiko was a crazy man. He just throws his body around and he'll do whatever to get the ball—knock it down with his head, his arm, his foot. That's the kind of player Kiko is."

And that's the kind of player that opponents should fear.

Note to Kiko: Please try milk this summer.

Dion Jordan, DE

Dion Jordan is a beast, and I say that in the most loving sense of the word. The senior defensive end is 6'7", 241 lbs. of strength, savvy, speed and skill. He is also lucky to be alive.

In October 2007, while a senior in high school, Jordan got badly burned during a freak accident in a friend's garage that resulted in his being air-lifted to the hospital. He had second- and third-degree burns on 40 percent of his body.

Jordan fully recovered and was highly sought after by college recruiters. His determination to succeed in football is, in part, a result of his brush with death. Jordan has never looked back and today he is an integral part of Oregon's defense.

Jordan was a first-team All-Pac-12 DE in 2011. He made life very unpleasant for Pac-12 QBs, finishing fourth best in the conference with 7.5 sacks. He had 13 tackles for loss.

Look for Jordan to be even better his senior season. He is projected by NFLDraftScout.com to be the No. 7 (out of 174) defensive ends drafted in 2013.

I am projecting Jordan will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. If I were Matt Barkley, for instance, I would never, ever take my eye off Dion Jordan.

Can't wait.

Michael Clay, LB

While Kiko Alonso holds down the middle of the field, Michael Clay will create chaos on the weak side.

I will always love Michael Clay. Why, you ask? Clay, also entering his senior season, was the brilliant guy who jumped on the Badgers fumble in the Rose Bowl, cementing the victory for the Ducks.

If you look at this wonderful photo of Chip Kelly jumping higher than most of us thought possible, you will see Clay laying on the ground covering the ball.

Beautiful.

For me, whatever Clay does in 2012 will be icing on the cake, but Duck fans are expecting a huge year from Clay, who is one of Oregon's defensive leaders.

According to Clay's official bio on the Ducks' website, Clay was the team's second-leading tackler with 102 (54 solo) in 2011. He was second in the Pac-12 in tackles per game at 8.9. Clay is also a smart guy, making the Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention.

Clay scored the first touchdown of his career on a 32-yard interception in the Colorado game. I would like to see him get another one this year, wouldn't you?

Preferably on Nov. 3.

Taylor Hart and Wade Keliikipi, DT

I've put Taylor Hart and Wade Keliikipi together on this slide because these two defensive linemen will, together, control the line of scrimmage for the Ducks.

The two juniors will be important cogs in determining how Oregon's defense fares in 2012. The Ducks are in good hands with these two warriors.

Hart was one of only two 14-game starters on the defensive line. At 6'6", 289 lbs., he's virtually indestructible. He was a force in the spring game, recording four unassisted tackles.

Keliikipi is a classic example of why I am not enamored of the high school recruiting star system. Keliikipi was a 2-star recruit out of Hawaii's Wai'anae High School. Raise your hand if you think Keliikipi played like a 4-star the last 11 games for the Ducks.

At 6'3" and 300 lbs., Keliikipi takes up good space next to Hart. Good luck getting by either one of them in 2012.

Terrance Mitchell, CB

I'm including Terrance Mitchell on this list even though I'm not convinced—yet—that he belongs there, but the dude did force the fumble that Michael Clay recovered in the Rose Bowl, so I'm feeling generous.

Mitchell was one of two freshman CBs thrown to the wolves last year when Cliff Harris was not, er, available. Troy Hill was the other.

Except for a couple of notable instances, Mitchell and Hill got the job done. And both played well in the 2012 spring game.

Be a defensive stud this year, Terrance, and make me look good for including you on this list.

John Boyett, S

And, finally, No. 20, senior safety John Boyett (John Boyett for Heisman).

I do not need to explain to the Trueblue Duckies why Boyett is feared throughout the conference.

You all know he was the Ducks' leading tackler two out of the last three seasons, with a gaudy 108 tackles (67 solo) last year.

You all know that he, along with Michael Clay, is the leader of the defense.

You all know that at 5'10" and 202 lbs., he is a heat-seeking missile.

You all know that Boyett was on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2011.

You all know that Boyett plays his heart out each and every time he steps on the field.

You all know that Boyett is not only the top defensive stud for the Ducks, but he is one of the best football players in America.

And, if you are an opponent you know—you just know—that he is coming to get you.

John Boyett for Heisman.