Tosh Lupoi reveals who has stood out on Oregon defense

Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is still getting his feet wet in Eugene. But it’s almost time for his first Ducks defense to hit the field during an actual game. A lot to figure out in one offseason for him and this entire new Oregon staff.

So, amid all the chaos, who are a few guys on the defense that have stood out to Lupoi so far since taking over the unit? He answered that question at a recent media gathering following a team practice.

“Yeah, I think, you know, Jeff Bassa stands out as a guy that’s attempting to to communicate better,” Lupoi said of the sophomore linebacker.

Lupoi also raved about the communication skills of defensive back Bryan Addison.

“We had a great rep from Bryan Addison, you know, out there that same thing. Where he’s demanding, you know, if we’re in a specific defense and we shouldn’t be, to re-communicate as communicated and get us in the correct call.”

So a couple names to circle on the Oregon defense ahead of the 2022 season.

Tosh Lupoi expresses his passion for coaching

Who said that Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi isn’t passionate about football? Because he has some choice words for that individual. The visor-wearing Ducks assistant met with media after practice the other day, where he reaffirmed his love for the gridiron.

“I’m a passionate individual. I love it. I’m i’m utterly obsessed with ball and what I do,” Lupoi declared, before moving on to discuss why coaches need to bring that sort of energy.

“I think it’s important, that as a coach, that you bring juice and energy. And it’s contagious. So, I think there’s a fine line of, you know, someone that’s just being loud and someone that’s bringing content so. That’s my goal. Is to bring content but to do it with passion and energy.”

Lupoi wants to bring passion as a coach, but use it to help teach his players what they need to do. Perhaps that’s a trait he’s learned from his head coach.