Ducks’ Thibodeaux slated to start
The Oregon Ducks released their official depth chart via Twitter on Monday and according to the tweet, defensive end/joker Kayvon Thibodeaux is set to start this Saturday against Ohio State.
During the Ducks’ game against Fresno State this past Saturday, the star “super” sophomore suffered an ankle injury late in the first quarter. He returned in the second quarter for a few defensive series’ but didn’t return for the second half and was seen wearing a boot on the sideline.
“He got rolled up on,” said head coach Mario Cristobal according to a quote from 247Sports’ Matt Prehm. “One of their linemen had driven our guys into the ground, and he rolled into the back of him and he has a sprained ankle. That’s what we are working through.”
If there is one of only a few guys on the defensive side of the ball that the Ducks can’t afford to play without when they collide with the No. 3 ranked Buckeyes on Saturday, it’s Thibodeaux.
Returning as a first-team All-Pac-12 and second-team All-American, Oregon’s highest-ranked recruit in school history managed two tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in the limited minutes he played last weekend.
Although the tweet lists Thibodeaux as a starter, his presence on the field is still somewhat in limbo said Cristobal.
“Playing is going to be dependent on a guy being able to practice,” said Cristobal. “If a guy can’t practice, I don’t think it’s in his best interest and the team’s best interest to put a guy out there that hasn’t been able to rep. We’ll take it day by day.”
Cristobal said he would know by Tuesday or Wednesday on Thibodeaux’s status.
As of this writing, it is still unknown.
If he can’t go, that likely means true freshman Jake Shipley will fill his spot, who is listed behind Thibodeaux on the depth chart. Shipley saw his first collegiate action last Saturday for a total of 11 snaps and no stats.
Also, seeing a healthy Thibodeaux strut into the ‘Shoe was something to look forward to just to see how good OSU’s O-line really is.
Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa decided to make drastic changes in fall camp by switching preseason AP second-team All-American and last year’s first-team All-Big Ten left tackle Thayer Munford to left guard, right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere to left tackle, and added junior backup Dawand Jones to right tackle.
Last week, the offensive line performed well against the Golden Gophers, not giving up any sacks and opened up some holes that allowed the team to rush for 201 yards.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said Thibodeaux isn’t the first talented guy they’ve gone up against but didn’t downplay Thibodeaux’s role for the Ducks’ defense, either.
“We’ve played against good players before but he is very, very talented and probably one of the best players in the country. And (if he plays) we’re going to have to know where he is and have a good plan for him. But the challenge is they have other good guys on that defense that are very athletic and very strong so it’ll be a big challenge for our guys.”
Kickoff is set for noon EDT and will air on FOX.