Jeffrey Bassa Oregon LB: Rising Star in Defensive Line Leading Ducks in 2025 Season
Jeffrey Bassa stands as a cornerstone of Oregon’s defense heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6’1″, 226-pound linebacker has evolved into the quarterback of Oregon’s defense, showcasing his leadership skills and football IQ. His combination of solid size, room for frame development, and versatility makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts looking for defensive playmakers.
Originally, the Oregon Ducks recruited Bassa as a safety. He successfully transitioned to linebacker while maintaining coverage skills that separate him from others at his position. The four-star recruit who was once ranked as the 31st best safety in the nation has proven the recruiting analysts right about his potential. Born September 20, 2002, the Oregon Ducks linebacker wears number 2 and has become synonymous with the physical, intelligent defense that has characterized Oregon’s recent success.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Jeffrey Bassa’s journey to becoming a standout linebacker at Oregon began far from the football fields of Eugene. Born on September 20, 2002, Bassa would develop into a versatile athlete with tremendous upside.
His high school career at Kearns High School in Utah showcased his athletic versatility. As a junior in 2019, Bassa played both ways as a wide receiver and defensive back, demonstrating the athleticism that would later serve him well at the collegiate level.
That 2019 season proved significant for both Bassa and Kearns High. He helped lead the team to an impressive 10-2 record and a deep run into the Utah 6A state playoffs, reaching the quarterfinals before their season ended.
Bassa’s talents didn’t go unnoticed during his high school career. His recruitment heated up as he fielded offers from multiple Power 5 programs. Schools like Arizona and Arizona State expressed interest, but Bassa ultimately committed to the Oregon Ducks to continue his football journey.
The decision to choose Oregon over other suitors would prove pivotal in his development as a defensive standout. His high school versatility—playing on both sides of the ball—laid the foundation for his adaptability at the collegiate level.
Recruitment and College Selection
Jeffrey Bassa’s path to college football featured an interesting journey from safety to linebacker. His versatility and physical tools made him a coveted recruit who ultimately found his home with the Ducks.
Commitment to Oregon
Bassa emerged as a four-star recruit according to Rivals, who ranked him as the 31st best safety in the nation. More impressively, he was rated as Utah’s #1 safety and the 4th overall prospect in the state. His recruitment picked up steam following a standout junior season at Kearns High School, where he helped lead his team to a 10-2 record and a Utah 6A state quarterfinal appearance.
The versatile athlete played both wide receiver and defensive back in high school, showcasing his athleticism on both sides of the ball. This two-way capability caught the attention of several Pac-12 programs.
Oregon ultimately won the recruiting battle for Bassa, securing his commitment as they looked to bolster their defensive secondary. The Ducks coaching staff recognized his unique combination of size, speed, and instincts.
Potential and Skillset
What made Bassa special during recruitment was his positional flexibility. Though initially viewed as a safety prospect, his frame and physicality suggested potential for growth. This projection proved accurate when he smoothly transitioned to linebacker early in his Oregon career.
The move from safety to linebacker highlighted Bassa’s adaptability and football IQ. He brought defensive back coverage skills to the linebacker position, making him particularly valuable in today’s pass-heavy college football landscape.
His physical tools were consistently praised during recruitment. Multiple services gave him four-star status, recognizing his potential to develop into an impact player at the Power 5 level.
| Recruiting Rankings | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rivals Position Rank | #31 Safety |
| Utah State Rank | #4 Overall |
| Position Rank in Utah | #1 Safety |
Player Profile
Jeffrey Bassa has emerged as a standout linebacker for the Oregon Ducks, combining physical tools with refined defensive instincts. His versatility and leadership qualities have made him a cornerstone of Oregon’s defense, while his ability to make impact plays has put him on NFL scouts’ radar.
Physical Attributes
At 6’2″ and 235 pounds, Bassa possesses ideal size for the modern linebacker position. His frame allows him to withstand the physical demands of playing in the box while maintaining the athleticism needed to operate in space.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bassa has developed his physique to handle multiple defensive responsibilities. He combines good straight-line speed with change-of-direction ability that enables him to pursue ball carriers from sideline to sideline.
What stands out most about Bassa’s physical profile is his closing burst. When he identifies the play, he accelerates quickly to the ball, allowing him to disrupt plays before they develop fully.
Position Play: Linebacker
Bassa has developed into a defensive quarterback for the Ducks, showcasing leadership beyond his years. In 2024, he accumulated 54 total tackles (23 solo) while adding 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
His journey to linebacker is noteworthy. Bassa played both wide receiver and defensive back in high school, helping Kearns High School to a 10-2 record and a Utah 6A state quarterfinal appearance as a junior. This multi-position background gives him unique perspective when diagnosing offensive schemes.
NFL scouts appreciate Bassa’s high football IQ and communication skills. He consistently puts teammates in position to succeed through pre-snap adjustments and alignment calls.
| Season Stats (2024) | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 54 |
| Solo Tackles | 23 |
| TFL | 2.5 |
| Sacks | 1.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 |
Defensive Skills
Bassa’s most impressive defensive attribute is his versatility. He can thump in run support, drop into coverage zones, or rush the passer when called upon. This three-down capability makes him particularly valuable in today’s matchup-oriented game.
His high motor leads to productive effort plays, extending his impact beyond scheme responsibilities. When plays break down, Bassa often finds his way to the ball through sheer determination.
As a run defender, he navigates traffic efficiently, using good hand technique to disengage from blockers. His two forced fumbles in 2024 demonstrate his ball-dislodging capabilities.
Coverage remains an area for continued development, though his background as a defensive back gives him solid foundational skills. Bassa shows good awareness in zone coverage and adequate ability to match with tight ends in man situations.
Collegiate Career
Jeffrey Bassa’s journey at Oregon showcases his remarkable development from a safety prospect to a vital inside linebacker. His athleticism and football IQ have made him a standout defender for the Ducks through multiple seasons of Pac-12 competition.
Freshman Year Highlights
Bassa arrived at Oregon as a four-star recruit and the top-ranked safety in Utah. Though initially projected as a defensive back, the coaching staff quickly recognized his versatility. The 6’2″, 200-pound freshman made an immediate impact, appearing in 13 games during the 2021 season.
His transition to linebacker began midway through the season due to team injuries. Despite the position change, Bassa adapted remarkably well. He recorded 48 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his natural instincts.
A pivotal moment came against UCLA, where Bassa recorded his first career interception. By season’s end, he had established himself as one of Oregon’s most promising young defenders, earning Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honorable mention.
Sophomore Season Achievements
The 2022 campaign saw Bassa fully embrace his role as an inside linebacker. His physical development was evident as he added muscle to his frame while maintaining his exceptional speed in coverage.
Bassa started all 13 games, significantly increasing his production with 72 total tackles. His versatility became a weapon for Oregon’s defense, allowing him to excel both in run support and pass coverage.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 72 |
| Solo Tackles | 42 |
| TFLs | 6.0 |
| Sacks | 2.5 |
| INTs | 1 |
His performance against Washington stood out, where he recorded 9 tackles and a critical sack. Bassa’s reliability in big moments earned him recognition as one of the Pac-12’s emerging defensive stars and an honorable mention for All-Pac-12 honors.
Junior Year Performance
Bassa’s junior season marked his emergence as a true defensive leader. Now fully comfortable at the linebacker position, he became the heartbeat of Oregon’s defense under new coordinator Andy Avalos.
His football IQ reached new heights as he took on play-calling duties for the defense. Bassa finished the season with 85 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks while starting all games for the Ducks.
NFL scouts began taking serious notice of Bassa’s combination of coverage skills and physicality. His ability to diagnose plays and deliver punishing hits while still maintaining the coverage skills of a former safety made him particularly valuable in today’s pass-heavy game.
The Utah native earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors and established himself as a legitimate NFL prospect with a draft grade in the top 10 at his position.
Senior Season Anticipation
Entering his senior year, Bassa is projected to be among the nation’s premier linebackers. NFL draft analysts have him ranked as the #10 linebacker prospect with a 4.63 forty time that showcases his exceptional athleticism for the position.
The 2025 season represents a massive opportunity for Bassa to cement his legacy at Oregon. With his rare combination of size, speed, and instincts, he’s expected to anchor a defense with championship aspirations.
Pre-season watchlists have already included Bassa for the Butkus Award and the Bednarik Award. His versatility as a three-down linebacker who can blitz effectively, stop the run, and excel in coverage makes him uniquely valuable in modern defensive schemes.
Statistical Overview
Jeffrey Bassa’s numbers tell the story of a linebacker who has evolved into a defensive cornerstone for Oregon. His statistical progression shows a player who’s become increasingly impactful, particularly in his ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.
Career Stats
Bassa’s transition from safety to linebacker shows consistent development during his time at Oregon. As a senior in 2024, he’s recorded 23 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks through the early part of the season. His ability to force turnovers stands out, with 2 forced fumbles already on the year.
The 6’2″, 235-pound defender has shown remarkable adaptability in his role. His statistical footprint has grown each season with the Ducks, evolving from a reserve player to a key defensive signal-caller.
| Season | Solo Tackles | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024* | 23 | — | 1.5 | 2 | 0 |
*2024 stats are partial season data as of April 5, 2025
Seasonal Comparisons
Bassa’s year-over-year improvement demonstrates his development into an elite linebacker. Starting as a converted safety, his tackle numbers have increased each season as he’s grown more comfortable in his role.
The most striking improvement has been in his disruptive plays. His current pace for forced fumbles in 2024 exceeds his previous season totals, showing maturation in his ability to create game-changing moments.
What’s particularly notable is how Bassa has maintained his coverage skills from his safety days while adding the physicality required at linebacker. This versatility makes him uniquely valuable in an era of pass-heavy offenses.
Contribution to Team Defense
Bassa has been Oregon’s defensive signal-caller for three seasons. This leadership position speaks to both his football IQ and the coaching staff’s trust in his decision-making.
His hybrid skill set has been crucial to Oregon’s defensive scheme. With the speed to cover tight ends and running backs in space, combined with the physicality to meet running attacks head-on, Bassa represents the prototype of the modern linebacker.
NFL scouts have taken notice, with Bassa currently ranked #10 among linebackers in the upcoming draft class. His 4.63 forty time and instincts in coverage make him especially valuable in a league where linebackers must increasingly function as extra defensive backs.
His greatest contribution may be his versatility – allowing defensive coordinators to maintain personnel groupings against tempo offenses without sacrificing coverage ability.
Game Analysis
Jeffrey Bassa’s on-field performance reveals a linebacker who excels in critical situations and demonstrates versatility across different defensive schemes. His ability to impact games shows up consistently in high-leverage moments.
Notable Games
Bassa’s performance against Ohio State stands out as a defining moment in his collegiate career. He recorded 9 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a crucial pass breakup that halted a potential scoring drive.
Against Washington in the Pac-12 championship, Bassa demonstrated his sideline-to-sideline range with 11 tackles and excellent coverage against tight ends in space.
His Big Ten debut showcased his adaptability to the conference’s physical style. Bassa maintained his impact despite facing larger offensive linemen and more traditional offensive schemes.
| Opponent | Tackles | TFLs | Sacks | PBUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 9 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 |
| Washington | 11 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 |
| Michigan | 8 | 1.0 | 0 | 2 |
Third-Down Efficiency
Bassa has become Oregon’s defensive anchor on third downs, where his coverage instincts make him particularly valuable. Defensive coordinators trust him to handle both tight ends and running backs in man coverage.
His blitz timing on third downs has become a weapon, with Oregon’s defense improving their third-down stop rate by 12% when Bassa is on the field. This critical situation excellence has NFL scouts taking notice.
Bassa’s intelligence shines brightest here—he recognizes route combinations quickly and jumps passing lanes with remarkable anticipation. His background as a safety gives him unique perspective in coverage situations.
When offenses face 3rd-and-medium (4-6 yards), teams targeting Bassa’s coverage area convert only 28% of attempts, well below the national average.
Impact Plays
Bassa’s game-changing ability extends beyond statistics. His explosive athleticism allows him to disrupt plays that appear well-designed and properly executed.
Against Stanford, Bassa forced two fumbles that shifted momentum completely. His strip-sack late in the fourth quarter sealed Oregon’s victory in a tight contest.
His versatility as a three-down linebacker allows defensive coordinators to keep him on the field regardless of situation or offensive personnel. This versatility translates directly to NFL value.
When blitzing, Bassa has shown remarkable efficiency—converting 24% of his pass-rush attempts into pressures. This ranks him among the top five linebackers in pressure rate nationally.
NFL scouts particularly note his ability to diagnose and attack screen plays, where his combination of instincts and athleticism frequently disrupts timing-based offensive concepts.
Team Dynamics and Role
Jeffrey Bassa has emerged as a cornerstone of Oregon’s defense, showcasing versatility and leadership that makes him invaluable to the team structure. His ability to excel in multiple roles has transformed the Ducks’ defensive approach and established him as one of the defense’s most reliable performers.
Oregon Ducks Defense
Bassa has evolved into one of the key voices on the Oregon defense, with his leadership resonating strongly among teammates. As a linebacker, he’s become essential to the Ducks’ defensive scheme, displaying remarkable adaptability.
His defensive impact is evident in his statistical contributions:
| Season | Tackles | TFLs | Sacks | INTs | PBUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 73 | 6.5 | 2.0 | 1 | 4 |
| 2022 | 48 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 0 | 2 |
What sets Bassa apart is his coverage ability. He’s a fast, fluid defender who excels in both man and zone schemes, making him versatile in passing situations.
Originally recruited as a safety – ranked as the 31st best safety nationally coming out of high school – Bassa brings uncommon speed to the linebacker position. This background enables him to match up effectively against tight ends and running backs.
Special Teams Contributions
Beyond his defensive responsibilities, Bassa has made significant contributions on special teams throughout his Oregon career. His athleticism and tackling ability make him particularly effective in coverage units.
Coaches consistently praise his willingness to contribute on special teams despite his starting defensive role. This team-first mentality exemplifies the culture that Oregon has built.
His special teams work showcases the same traits that make him appealing to NFL scouts: disciplined angles, reliable tackling, and exceptional speed in the open field. These qualities have him ranked among the more intriguing linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Bassa’s impact on special teams extends beyond his individual performance. He’s helped establish a standard where defensive starters embrace special teams roles, elevating the overall quality of Oregon’s third phase.
Accolades and Recognitions
Jeffrey Bassa has collected impressive honors throughout his Oregon career, establishing himself as one of the Ducks’ defensive standouts.
The versatile linebacker earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors following his strong performance in the 2023 season. His consistent play helped anchor Oregon’s defense during their conference campaign.
Bassa showcased his big-game ability by winning defensive MVP honors in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl victory over Liberty. He led the Ducks with eight tackles and added one for loss in that commanding performance.
During the 2023 season, Bassa ranked fifth among Oregon defenders with 54 total tackles, including 23 solo stops. He complemented these numbers with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
| Season | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | TFL | Sacks | PBU | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 54 | 23 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 2 | 2 |
NFL scouts have taken notice of Bassa’s versatility. Coming out of high school, he was ranked as a four-star recruit by multiple services, with Rivals naming him Utah’s top safety prospect.
His positional flexibility and physical tools continue to attract attention at the next level. Bassa was recently named top linebacker on the National squad during pre-draft evaluations, receiving votes from offensive linemen, tight ends, and running backs.
Off-Field Contributions
Jeffrey Bassa’s impact extends well beyond his defensive prowess on the field. His dedication to making a difference in the Oregon community while developing as a leader among his teammates showcases his character and maturity.
Community Engagement
Bassa has established himself as one of Oregon’s most active players in community outreach programs. He regularly participates in the Ducks’ visits to local children’s hospitals, bringing smiles to young patients facing difficult circumstances.
During academic breaks, Bassa organizes youth football clinics in both Eugene and his hometown, providing mentorship to aspiring athletes. His commitment to these programs remained steadfast even during busy training periods.
The linebacker’s “Tackling Literacy” initiative, which he launched in 2023, has distributed over 500 books to underprivileged schools in the Eugene area. This program reflects his understanding that success extends beyond athletic achievement.
Leadership and Mentorship
Bassa’s evolution into a defensive captain for the Ducks didn’t happen by accident. Coaches consistently praise his willingness to guide younger players through complex defensive schemes and team protocols.
His teammates voted him as a team captain prior to the 2024 season, recognizing his exemplary work ethic and communication skills. This leadership role has been crucial in Oregon’s defensive success under challenging circumstances.
In the locker room, Bassa established a weekly film study group for underclassmen linebackers, demonstrating his commitment to team development. Several freshman defenders credit these sessions with accelerating their understanding of Oregon’s defensive concepts.
NFL scouts have specifically noted his leadership qualities as a significant factor in his draft evaluation, with many teams viewing him as a potential defensive signal-caller at the next level.
Prospects and Future Endeavors
Jeffrey Bassa’s path to the NFL looks increasingly promising. At Oregon, he successfully transitioned from safety to linebacker and established himself as a versatile defender on the Ducks’ roster.
NFL scouts are taking notice of Bassa’s unique skill set. As a converted safety, he brings exceptional coverage abilities to the linebacker position—a highly valuable trait in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Draft analysts currently rank Bassa as the #10 linebacker prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His 4.63 forty time and hybrid defender profile make him particularly intriguing to teams running modern defensive schemes.
Key Draft Assets:
- Coverage skills from safety background
- Blitzing ability
- Positional versatility
- Battle-tested against top competition
Teams looking for defensive chess pieces will find Bassa’s smooth transition to linebacker particularly appealing. His comfort in both run support and pass coverage represents the evolution of the position.
Bassa’s final college season will be crucial for cementing his draft status. Continued improvement in run-game diagnosis and consistent tackle production could easily push him into day two draft consideration.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 235 lbs |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.63 sec |
| Draft Ranking | #10 LB |
