Dan Lanning shares what Kam Alexander has brought to Oregon defense

In January, former UTSA defensive back Kam Alexander committed to Oregon, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning believes the redshirt senior could play a pivotal role for the Ducks this fall.

“Kam is a good player,” Lanning said. “He’s got great speed, athleticism. I think he matches routes well. We’re gonna keep challenging him from a physicality standpoint, in the tackling. But, he’s been a guy that can stay and run with anybody out here. He’s a high-speed guy, which is a great trait to have at corner.”

In the 2023 campaign, Alexander played 13 games for the Roadrunners while making nine starts. He tallied 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions and 17 passes defended, which was the fifth-most in the country.

For his efforts, he was named an all-AAC first-team selection by the league’s coaches. Alexander only improved under pressure last season. In UTSA’s matchup against Marshall in the Frisco Bowl, Alexander recorded his first career sack and returned an interception for 57 yards. He was named the Frisco Bowl Defensive MVP.

Kam Alexander will be an excellent addition to Oregon’s secondary. Last season, the Ducks allowed 215.9 passing yards per game, ranking No. 54 in the nation. Oregon’s run defense was significantly better, only giving 102.6 rushing yards per game (10th nationally).

Oregon lands commitment from another talented DB

Alexander won’t be the only fresh face in Oregon’s secondary this season. On Sunday, Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Peyton Woodyard committed to Oregon, via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Prior to entering the portal, Woodyard went through spring practice with the Crimson Tide after being an early enrollee, but chose to look to begin his college career elsewhere. He will have four years of eligibility remaining, and he’ll begin to use that in Eugene.

Woodyard played high school football at Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 128 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Former head coach Nick Saban was the one who recruited Woodyard, seeing him sign his National Letter of Intent back in December. The projected safety even went through bowl practices with Alabama as they prepared for the College Football Playoff semifinal versus Michigan at the Rose Bowl.

However, Woodyard chose to explore his options once again after the coaching change in Tuscaloosa took place. He briefly worked with Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack but ultimately decided on a change of scenery, and he’s now headed to Oregon.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this article.