Flashback Friday: Troy Dye’s First College Game with Oregon

Oregon linebacker Troy Dye made quite the impression in his college football debut. The Duck freshman was named Pac-12 Player of the Week for his Week 1 performance against UC Davis.

In the season opener on September 3, the Norco, Calif. native registered 11 tackles, 4.5 for loss, a sack and a blocked field goal amid UO’s 53-28 victory. Two days later, he was awarded the POW honor by the conference.

His impact would set the stage for an unprecedented first-year campaign. Unfortunately, his performance did not trickle down to the rest of the defense. Some may say his glorified numbers were inflated due to Oregon’s vulnerable rush defense. Nevertheless, he made the plays when they presented themselves.

The linebacker had a career-high 14 tackles in a double-overtime loss to California.

Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images

Dye concluded his incredible freshman year with 91 total tackles, 56 solo. He added 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks (including Washington’s Jake Browning), a pass deflection and an interception.

At the end of the season, Dye was awarded for his outstanding run. The team nominated Dye and teammate Tony Brooks-James as Oregon’s Outstanding Players of 2017 or MVP’s.

Dye was the first freshman to claim the honor since De’Anthony Thomas received the award in 2011.

Head coach Willie Taggart has big plans for the playmaking linebacker in 2017. He and Brenden Schooler will be the leaders of a youthful Duck defense. It should be fun to watch Dye’s game evolve under a new regime.

The Quack Attack returns to Autzen Stadium for the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 29. Do something, if you want to.

Stay tuned to ATQ on Instagram @eugene_levys_eyebrows Twitter @TheQuackFiend