Oregon cornerback returning to form prior to 2023 knee injury

Technically speaking, Eugene Jahlil Florence isn’t a returning starter, but that’s more rhetoric than substance.

Before sustaining a right knee injury that kept him out of action for more than a year, the Oregon cornerback started all 11 games of 2023 and recorded 27 tackles (two for loss), one sack, one interception, and one pass breakup. As he begins his redshirt-junior season, Florence is competing to regain a starting position in a Ducks secondary that needs to replace its top three outside corners and all five starters from the previous campaign.

Mentally, I had a bad year, Florence stated. Now that I’m back, I’m viewing it differently. Knowing that it could be taken away from you at any moment, you should cherish each day. I was able to go out there and live day by day.

I think I have a lot more to show these trainers. I feel like everything I did in the past was so long ago, and college football has evolved a lot since then. I believe I have another chance to prove myself to these coaches.

RELATED: Oregon is seeking impact players to take the position of nine defensive starters.

Florence said that his right meniscus injury sustained after he was rolled up on at Arizona State on November 18, 2023, made it unclear that he would miss the entirety of 2024. The best course of action for me was to wait it out, return this year, and prioritize my health. He originally believed he may return later that season, and he planned to do so throughout the previous season, even taking pregame photos at the Rose Bowl.

He had a small hand injury at the end of the spring, but it has since healed.

According to Florence, he and Lanning met during the offseason to talk about how he would need to regain his starting position. During fall camp, he immediately made his presence known once more.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning stated, “You always worry about a guy being removed from reps if they’re going to be able to communicate and execute.” From what I could see, he did a great job on Wednesday. He hasn’t been healthy in a long time, so it’s encouraging to see him running around in good health and able to express what we’re doing.

According to defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, Florence is obviously regaining his confidence after making a fantastic play during Thursday’s practice.

Speaking from personal experience, Lupoi acknowledged that suffering a serious injury is undoubtedly traumatic. You get over it mentally, but you still have to get over the physical part, and I believe we’re witnessing that. He’s giving it away. He is now moving at full speed and helping us out. He is giving it his all to compete and make a significant contribution.

James Crepea discusses the Big Ten and Oregon Ducks.

Latest Ducks news

Oregon looking for impact players to replace 9 starters on defense
Oregon Ducks Nike Pegasus 41 shoes now on sale for 2025; where to get them before college football season kicks off
5-star edge rusher commits to Oregon Ducks