Oregon Ducks fall camp breakdown: Inside linebackers

The Oregonian/OregonLive will be previewing each of 10 position groups leading up to the start of Oregon’s fall camp on Aug. 2. The eighth installment in the series reviews the inside linebackers.

Oregon’s linebacking corps is going through a massive overhaul this offseason. Only two of the seven inside linebackers on the roster last season return and Jeff Bassa is the only one who played significant snaps. The Ducks moved Jamal Hill inside the box and brought in transfers Jestin Jacobs and Connor Soelle to stack the two-deep with experience, although none of them have played together before.

Returning starters: Jeff Bassa, junior Other returning players: Jamal Hill, fifth-year senior; Jestin Jacobs, fifth-year redshirt-junior; Connor Soelle, fifth-year redshirt-junior; Devon Jackson, redshirt-freshman; Jerry Mixon, freshman Summer arrivals: n/a Departed: Noah Sewell; Justin Flowe (transferred to Arizona); Jackson LaDuke (transferred to Nevada); Keith Brown (transferred to Louisville); Harrison Taggart (transferred to BYU) Outlook: Bassa and Hill are coming off the most productive years of their careers. However, Oregon has to replace the volume of Noah Sewell and his production was down dramatically from 2021. Jacobs and Soelle will each play and could see their most opportunities for playing time to date.

These four will have to handle the bulk of the reps, increase the group’s tackles and pass rush and improve the group’s pass coverage. Devon Jackson earned some playing time and should see more after redshirting. Freshman Jerry Mixon should get the chance to contribute in at least four games.

Battle to WATCH: Jacobs and Hill will likely be vying for a starting spot, though the top four will all play. Keep an Eye on: Jacobs. He was behind All-Americans at Iowa and was injured last season, but former teammates have touted his talent.

Projected two deep: MLB Jeff Bassa: 6-foot-2, 212 pounds Connor Soelle: 6-foot-4, 235 pounds WLB Jamal Hill: 6-foot, 211 pounds Jestin Jacobs: 6-foot-4, 238 pounds .