Dan Lanning details what Tysheem Johnson’s “positional flexibility” could mean for Oregon’s defense

Oregon’s 10th and final transfer portal addition has joined the program for spring ball.

Tysheem Johnson, a defensive back who spent last season at Ole Miss, was with the Ducks when they resumed spring practices in Eugene on Tuesday.

Oregon’s nine other offseason portal additions enrolled for UO’s academic winter term and were with the Ducks for their first two spring practices on March 16 and 18.

A 5-foot-10, 190-pound junior who recorded 78 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and two pass deflections last season, Johnson’s versatility and physicality could prove to be significant for Oregon.

The Ducks are in the process of replacing versatile defensive back Bennett Williams, who played more defensive snaps last season (787) than any other player on the team.

While meeting with reporters on Tuesday, Oregon coach Dan Lanning was asked what made Johnson such a coveted addition for the Ducks.

While many who follow the program closely have projected that Johnson could become Oregon’s primary option at nickle, Lanning said that former 4-star recruit could potentially play multiple positions.

“A guy that’s around the ball, you know, makes a lot of plays,” Lanning. “I don’t think that we have to look at him exclusively as a nickel. I think he’s a guy that has position flexibility that we can use in multiple positions. He’s a playmaker who plays with great effort. Physical tackler — has blitz ability. So I think all those things are really appealing.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson played 653 defensive snaps in 2022, with the majority of them coming at box safety (230). He also spent plenty of time at nickel (217 snaps) and free safety (141). PFF issued him a 72.4 overall grade on the season, which would have ranked sixth among Oregon defenders who played regularly last season.

Johnson is the second safety Oregon has added via the portal this offseason, along with former Fresno State standout Evan Williams. The Ducks have also added former Alabama cornerback Khyree Jackson in the secondary.

Lanning noted that Oregon’s depth at defensive back is much improved from where it was at this time last year.

“I think we probably have a lot more quality defensive line and quality defensive backs who can play,” Lanning said. “But I’ll be honest — just from top to bottom, I think there are more that can play. And I’ve said it before, but the more quality depth that you have that can play. … the better you’re going to be on defense.”

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