Latest news with #JeffreyBassa
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Checking in with the Oregon Ducks LB room ahead of the 2025 season
We are less than 50 days away from the start of the 2025 college football season, and fewer than two weeks stand between us and the beginning of the Oregon Ducks' fall camp getting off the ground in Eugene. While coaches and players wrap up their final couple of offseason weeks, we're ready to jump back into things and take a deep dive into what's set to take place at Autzen Stadium this year. The Ducks are coming off of an incredible season that saw a 12-0 regular season, a Big Ten Championship, and the No. 1 seed in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. The offseason brought significant roster turnover as Oregon sent a program record 10 players into the 2025 NFL draft; however, those players have been replaced by a young yet incredibly talented group of players ready to uphold the standard in Eugene. Will they be able to complete the job? Expectations are high, but it won't be an easy task. Over the next few weeks, many questions will be asked, and a significant number of them will be answered. Once we get a look at things during fall camp, we will be able to predict more accurately how things shape up. However, we already have our depth chart projections for offense and defense from spring. As we continue our preview of the 2025 season, leading up to the kick-off vs. Montana State on August 30, let's take a deep dive, position by position. Previous Position Previews Now let's take a closer look at the linebackers as we prepare for fall camp. Overall Oregon Ducks Linebacker Check-In When it comes to departing production, the linebackers lost quite a bit this past offseason with both Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs graduating. Fortunately, Bryce Boettcher was granted another year of eligibility, so he will return as one of the top LBs in the conference, but alongside him, there is a big need for players to step up. Guys like Devon Jackson, Brayden Platt, Dylan Williams, Jerry Mixon, and Kamar Mothudi all have a great opportunity to have breakout seasons, but they've got some pressure resting on their shoulders. After the spring football season, many thought that Oregon could dip into the transfer portal to add an LB, but Dan Lanning squashed that idea by stating in no uncertain terms that the Ducks would not be adding to the room. Now it's time for his players to back that decision up. Departing Oregon Ducks Linebackers Oregon Career Stats: 55 games, 236 tackles, 14 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 3 INTs, 1 pick six, 2 forced fumbles Analysis: When Tyler Shough's errant pass magnetized its way into Jeffrey Bassa's hands in September 2023, sealing the Ducks' win in Lubbock. Bassa was immortalized in Oregon legend forever, but his impact on this program began long before that. As skilled as he is, Bassa's eyes and voice are just as powerful, and for the last two seasons, he's served as the nexus of the Ducks defense. Oregon Career Stats: 21 games, 61 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT Analysis: Jestin Jacobs spent just two years at Oregon, and injuries made those two seasons even shorter, but in the time he was able to play, Jacobs was a key player for the Ducks. In 2023, Jacobs' midseason debut gave Oregon much needed solidty in the middle of the field, and in 2024, Jacobs size helped the Ducks craft one of the toughest defenses in conference lauded for its physicality. Returning Oregon Ducks Linebackers Oregon Career Stats: 40 games, 133 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery Analysis: The most exciting news in the linebacker room this offseason is that Bryce Boettcher will be back for the Ducks in 2025. Boettcher, who has come a long way from his days as a walk-on linebacker coming from the Oregon baseball team, was granted an eligibility waiver by the NCAA since he's only played three seasons of football (he's out of baseball eligibility). Last season, Boettcher blossomed into one of the best all-around linebackers and athletes in college football, and don't expect his improvement to fall off next season, because I don't think we've glimpsed his ceiling yet. Oregon Career Stats: 31 games, 65 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble Analysis: Boettcher was the Ducks' best linebacker last year, but the most improved was certainly Devon Jackson. In his third season last fall, the game seemed to slow down for Jackson, which let him use his incomprehensible speed and strength to his massive advantage, becoming a top linebacker in the blink of an eye. With a full year of first-team reps under his belt, expect Jackson to be even better in 2025. Oregon Career Stats: 19 games, 8 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack Analysis: Besides Boettcher and Jackson, Jerry Mixon is the most experienced inside linebacker on Oregon's defense, and although he hasn't played much in his two college years, expect to see much more of him next fall. Like Jackson, Mixon is incredibly athletic, and he's honed his football skills to become a solid all-around backer. Oregon Career Stats: N/A Analysis: Now we're getting into the developmental side of the Ducks' ILB room, but Dylan Williams, and the guys who follow him on this list, could already be Power 5 starters elsewhere. Williams was a freshman last fall, after coming to the Ducks as one of many 4-star linebacker commits in the class of 2024. Williams preserved his redshirt last year, so expect him to see some action this year, but the starting lineup is unlikely. Oregon Career Stats: N/A Analysis: After redshirting as a freshman in 2024, Kamar Mothudi is returning to Oregon after coming to the Ducks as a 4-star recruit a year ago. If that analysis sounds familiar, it's because Mothudi and Williams are in a very similar spot in their careers: talented but not quite out of the developmental stage yet. Oregon Career Stats: Analysis: I might as well just copy and paste the last two paragraphs, because Brayden Platt is in the same spot as Mothudi and Williams: 4-star, class of 2024, and very talented. This likely won't be his year to shine either, but all three of these guys will be difference makers for Oregon down the road. Incoming Oregon Ducks Linebackers 247Sports Recruiting Profile: 4-star, No. 20 LB, No. 226 overall Analysis: The Oregon Ducks' sole linebacker addition is Gavin Nix, a 4-star 2025 recruit from IMG Academy, who at 6 feet, 225 pounds, could make an impact for the Ducks' defense as early as next year. He won't be starting, but Nix is good enough already to see some game time, affording us a preview of what lies down the road for Oregon's defense. Projecting Oregon Ducks Starting Linebackers Projected Starters: Bryce Boettcher and Devon Jackson Boettcher will undoubtedly be a starter for the Ducks, and assuming that Jackson is healthy, he should slot in there as well. Behind them, I expect guys like Mixon, Platt, and Williams to get into the rotation frequently. Overall Oregon Ducks Linebacker Outlook The Ducks have had some solid production at this position over the past couple of years, but it hasn't been their strongest point. There have been a couple of misses on the recruiting trail at LB this cycle as well, so it will be interesting to see how this group develops into the future. For this season, at the very least, though, there should be some confidence that they can hold their own and be a strong point of the defense. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kansas City Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 31, LB Jeffrey Bassa
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa with the No. 156 pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. A Salt Lake City native, Bassa spent all four seasons of his collegiate career with the Ducks, and tallied 236 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 55 total games played. Advertisement Though Bassa isn't expected to push veteran linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill for playing time as a rookie, his upside as an athletic playmaker should be valuable for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo next season as the Chiefs look to re-tool their front-seven after Super Bowl LIX. What jersey number does Jeffrey Bassa wear? Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2) looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports Jeffrey Bassa currently dons the No. 31 jersey for the Kansas City Chiefs. How much money will Jeffrey Bassa make in 2025? Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports According to Bassa will receive a base salary of $840,000 in addition to a prorated signing bonus of $103,413 in 2025. Top Jeffrey Bassa highlight This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 31, LB Jeffrey Bassa
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 31, LB Jeffrey Bassa
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa with the No. 156 pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. A Salt Lake City native, Bassa spent all four seasons of his collegiate career with the Ducks, and tallied 236 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 55 total games played. Though Bassa isn't expected to push veteran linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill for playing time as a rookie, his upside as an athletic playmaker should be valuable for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo next season as the Chiefs look to re-tool their front-seven after Super Bowl LIX. What jersey number does Jeffrey Bassa wear? Jeffrey Bassa currently dons the No. 31 jersey for the Kansas City Chiefs. How much money will Jeffrey Bassa make in 2025? According to Bassa will receive a base salary of $840,000 in addition to a prorated signing bonus of $103,413 in 2025. Top Jeffrey Bassa highlight
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs LB Nick Bolton praises Jeffrey Bassa's development at minicamp: 'Great for us'
Chiefs LB Nick Bolton praises Jeffrey Bassa's development at minicamp: 'Great for us' During his minicamp press conference on Thursday, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton praised rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa's progress at camp and offered a unique comparison to a teammate. "Yeah, Jeff Bass, we joke around all the time, but he's like a mix between Willie (Gay Jr.), who was here, and Leo (Chenal). I think he's done a great job communicating," said Bolton, "One of the things that, as a linebacker coming in, your job is to communicate well, he does, probably gives anybody, and also to talk to the secondary, understand what people are doing behind him. So I've also had some time to sit down and talk to try to sit down and talk to him a little bit, kind of pick his brain a little bit, and you understand that he's an IQ guy, a hot motor he's a little bit lighter guy, but he can run, he can cover a little bit. So if you bring that potential to the team." As a former safety, Bassa could become an essential defensive utility player who can step into several roles in Spagnuolo's schemes. "Yeah, you definitely can tell we made a joke about it one time because he's out there playing press like a corner. We said, We take 31, put 35, and everybody switches it out a little bit," said Bolton, "But yeah, it's been pretty fun. He's up there. He likes to play cover, so that'd be great for us." During the 2024 season, Bassa was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference with the Ducks and played in all 14 games, starting in 12. He finished with 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs rookie LB Jeffrey Bassa describes collegiate position change
Chiefs rookie LB Jeffrey Bassa describes collegiate position change The Kansas City Chiefs selected Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Bassa projects as a special teams contributor early in his career but could see action on defense in subpackages because of his range and coverage versatility. A highly viewed four-star recruit in the class of 2021, Bassa took a unique path to finding his current role. He entered college primarily playing safety before kicking down to linebacker to cover for injured teammates. Bassa never returned to safety, but he retained most of the athletic traits that made him a coveted defensive back. While at the Senior Bowl earlier this year, Bassa detailed his experience transitioning from safety to off-ball linebacker. 'It was great. You're so used to guarding receivers all the time … You get transitioned into the box, and you're dealing with linemen all the time. You're dealing with vision of the quarterback, dealing with the linemen and assigning everybody to make sure they're alright,' said Bassa. 'I thought it was a quick and easy transition for me because I always wanted to have that vocal voice and for people to depend on me to get them aligned right. [I can] also do things that a DB can do and stop the run as well.' Bassa is a lean player who struggles to stack and shed blocks, but his burst and loose athleticism help him evade climbing linemen and tight ends. He's at his best working horizontally to contain outside runs and erasing tight ends in coverage. The Chiefs don't have an immediate role on defense for Bassa to fill, but the former All-Pac-12 selection provides excellent depth with some long-term potential to develop into a contributor.
