‘You can feel his presence;’ Noah Sewell speaks about Justin Flowe, Oregon’s 2022 goals
A year ago, the national media looked at the Oregon Ducks and couldn’t see very far past the bright lights of Kayvon Thibodeaux. It was understandable, of course — a 6-foot-4 edge rusher who is projected to be among the first picks in the NFL Draft is certainly worthy of national coverage.
While much of the focus was on Thibodeaux, though, an elite defensive player was flying under the national radar. Duck fans were well aware of his presence, but it isn’t until now that this Oregon legacy piece is truly getting his shine.
Noah Sewell, it’s your time on the podium.
Picked as one of the favorites to be named the best linebacker in the country this season, the hype train is off and running for the Ducks’ stellar junior LB. As the leader of the defense who is coming off of a year with 114 tackles and 4 sacks — which followed up a season where he was named the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year — there are high expectations for Sewell to lead this new scheme drawn up by Dan Lanning.
Despite the already stellar career at Oregon, there are still things for Sewell to get better at, he admitted on Wednesday at the Ducks’ annual media day. When talking with him, Sewell discussed what he has learned from the new coaching staff, and specifically Lanning and DC Tosh Lupoi. Sewell also talked a lot about his relationship with fellow LB Justin Flowe, and how it’s been watching him work back to full health and get back onto the field.
Here are some of the best quotes from Sewell’s press conference:
Offseason Work
Question: What has been your primary focus this offseason to improve your game?
Sewell: “Everything. Coverage, rushing, all aspects of my game. Just trying to improve.”
Coaching Change
Q: How have Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi helped that growth?
Sewell: “Definitely my coverage, understanding where my help is and just kind of getting the techniques down in my drops. It’s helped me a lot.”
Brandon Dorlus
Q: One player who Lanning made note of not getting enough publicity was Brandon Dorlus. How does he impact a defensive front?
Sewell: “He’s the one that makes me look good. He holds the big masses away from me so I can make the play. But I tell him, I’m gonna be there behind you I will clean up any mess that you’ve missed. You’re gonna make the play, but I’ll be right there right next to you.”
Justin Flowe's Presence
Q: What’s it been like to see Justin Flowe work back to full health, and what does he bring to a defense alongside you?
Sewell: “His energy. Every time he comes on the field, you can feel his presence, and I always try to match that because he’s always trying to one-up me. So it’s like a back and forth competition, and that’s what I need. He helps me to get better and I help him to get better.”
Anticipation for Flowe's Return
Q: How excited are you to get back on the field with Flowe and play in a game once again?
Sewell: “I can’t wait. I just pray he stays healthy because he can do some crazy things on the field that I’ve never seen before. His motor is top tier. His energy is just… I wish you guys could switch cleats with me and be on the field with Justin Flowe. Justin Flowe will make the play.”
Early Lessons from Flowe
Q: You’ve only played in 2 games with Flowe, but are there any lessons you’ve learned from him in that time together?
Sewell: “Focus on the game, and that spot that I’m in right now? Don’t let anyone take it, because it can be taken away from you just like that. So just play every down like it’s your last.”
Mario's Staff vs. Lanning's Staff
Q: What are some of the major differences between this coaching staff and the past coaching staff?
Sewell: “Well first, the pillars and our DNA traits. Connection. Coach Lanning emphasizes that connection is really important because if you have no connection, there’s no rhythm or there’s no… you can’t really play with one another if you don’t have that connection. If I don’t know what you’re trying to do, I don’t know how to play with you. But if I have that connection, then everything’s gonna click.”
