Player Spotlight: John Boyett

Oregon is a program known for its offense, but they also have an underrated defense, that's fast and athletic.  Much like the offense, the defense - fair or not - gets labeled as being soft and finesse.  Tell that to Oregon free safety John Boyett, and he'll probably knock you out, cause that's what he's doing on the field:  jackin players up and leaving them snot bubbled.


Noted for his hard hitting, I decided to do this spotlight on John Boyett because he's my favorite player on defense.  As a three year starter on defense, he'll definitely be one of the leaders and captains, on the field and in the locker room.  

What makes hims so good is that he's active and instinctive.  He plays the game fast, and is always around the ball.  His high level of energy rubs off on the other players, further solidifying his role as a leader.  

A four star recruit coming out of high school in Napa, California, in 2007, he redshirted his first year in 2008.  He got his break in 2009 when filling in for an injured TJ Ward.  He became the schools' first freshman to the lead the team in tackles (90) since 1969, when defensive stats were first accumulated.  He was also 12th in the conference in interceptions, and was a freshman first team All-America.

He set the bar pretty high for himself in his first year, however, his level of productivity has only increased with time.  He was a second team All-America in 2010, and was 22nd in the nation in interceptions per game.  In 2012 he was an All Pac 12 second team selection, and an honorable mention All-America, and led the team in tackles for the second time in three years. 


The 2012-2013 season will be his last at Oregon, and will surely be missed.  Its been a pleasure watching him, from the time he took over as starter, till now.  I look forward to more of the punishing hits this year, and for years to come, as I'm sure he'll get picked up in the NFL.  He's scrappy enough to outwork a player to make a roster.